You may be lucky enough to own the snazzy new iPhone, but you might want to keep that to yourself. Owners have become a target for thieves in Downtown Chicago, according to police.
At least four people were muscled out of their iPhones over the last week alone, two of them along Michigan Avenue
After a man on the Near North Side was allegedly robbed of his iPhone Thursday morning, police arrested a man seen running along Lake Shore Drive and charged him with the crime.
Naeem Summers, 22, was arrested and charged with one count of felony robbery, according to police News Affairs Officer Laura Kubiak.
Downtown Alderman Brendan Reilly has asked the Chicago Police Department to beef up patrols in the downtown area. Reilly requested the “increased police presence” — including bike patrols and plainclothes officers — because of the brazen nature of the crimes and the fact they happened during the early evening hours.
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“This particular crime is violent. It typically involves an assault or battery. The fact that it’s occurring in broad daylight on the avenue is frightening,” the alderman said.
Mayor Daley said it’s no surprise that iPhone owners are a target for thieves.
“They steal everything. They’ll steal your ring. They’ll steal your iPhone. They’ll steal your purse. They steal your car. Yes. It does take place in America,” Daley said.
“They steal everything. They’ll steal your ring. They’ll steal your iPhone. They’ll steal your purse. They steal your car. Yes. It does take place in America,” Daley said.
