Chicago police investigate 15 armed robberies in 4 days on North, Northwest sides
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Police are looking for the people they believe are responsible for a string of 15 armed robberies across several North and Northwest Side neighborhoods.
The first four robberies happened in River North and Lincoln Park on Friday. Each time, four to eight armed men took the victims' cell phones and other possessions at gunpoint, and then drove off.
Police said, three days later, robbers also struck 11 more times in Portage Park, Irving Park, Belmont Cragin, and Lakeview.
The robberies all happened in the morning – just one reason Chicago Police have warned people to be aware of their surroundings and always to stay vigilant.
The robberies happened at the following times and locations:
- 1300 block of North Halsted Street, Friday, April 12, 2024, in the morning hours
- 1800 block of North Halsted Street, Friday, April 12, 2024, in the morning hours
- 1400 block of North Kingsbury Street, Friday, April 12, 2024, in the morning hours
- 1600 block of North Sheffield Avenue, Friday, April 12, 2024, in the morning hours
- 5300 block of West Patterson Avenue, Monday, April 15, 2024, in the morning hours
- 3200 block of North Keeler Avenue, Monday, April 15, 2024, in the morning hours
- 2700 block of North Leclaire Avenue, Monday, April 15, 2024, in the morning hours
- 5100 block of West Barry Avenue, Monday, April 15, 2024, in the morning hours
- 4900 block of West Fletcher Street, Monday, April 15, 2024, in the morning hours
- 2900 block of North Lavergne Avenue, Monday, April 15, 2024, in the morning hours
- 1400 block of West Cornelia Avenue, Monday, April 15, 2024, in the morning hours
- 3200 block of North Southport Avenue, Monday, April 15, 2024, in the morning hours
- 2100 block of North Cleveland Avenue, Monday, April 15, 2024, in the morning hours
- 800 block of West Armitage Avenue, Monday, April 15, 2024, in the morning hours
- 2100 block of North Halsted Street, Monday, April 15, 2024, in the morning hours
A criminologist said the crimes are different from others in the past – as they have all involved groups of four to eight men.
"More planful, deliberate, and organized," said Arthur Lurigio, a criminologist and professor at Loyola University Chicago. "The difference between these armed robberies and the ones I've studied over the years - the number of offenders."
Years ago, Lurigio said, the standard was different – with only one or two people involved. This involved less coordination.
Now, he said, "This is truly organized criminal activity that might be part of an evolving structure and enterprise."
Lurigio said this is actually something that could work against the robbery crew – and a list and map of all the robbery locations is helpful to police.
"I think this kind of data with armed robbery with addresses and times may lend itself to the business of data science, and helping police make predictions about where they should be stationing themselves," he said.
As for the average person, Lurigio advised being aware of what's going on – much as Chicago Police do.
Police had only a vague description of the robbers, who were wearing masks and dark clothing and are estimated to be between 18 and 25 years old.
One resident told CBS 2 she now lives in fear, as many of the recent armed robberies happened within blocks of her home. She said off camera that her neighbors are desperately calling the city and police to step in and help combat the crime.
Meanwhile, police have not indicated whether the same crew is behind two robberies in the Old Town neighborhood on Friday, April 5. One occurred in the 300 block of West North Avenue, the other in the 1800 block of North Clark Street.
Police said there were four robbers in those two incidents – two standing about 5 feet 5 inches tall, and the other two standing about 5 feet 9 inches tall.
In the surveillance video released Tuesday, a dark-colored car is seen pulling into the parking lot of the strip mall at the southeast corner of North Avenue and Sedgwick Street – which houses a convenience store, a Subway sandwich shop, a UPS Store, and a Dunkin' Donuts.
Two of the robbers run off in opposite directions, while the other two remain in frame. One of them points what appears to be a green laser scope in the direction of the surveillance camera, while the other points a gun right at it.
Anyone with information on the robberies is asked to call Area 3 detectives at 312-744-8263.