Woodridge police are elevating security measures after three armed robbery attacks on individuals in less than a week.
Local elementary schools have decided to conduct recess and phys-ed classes indoors and most after-school activities have been canceled in the wake of the attacks.
"Hopefully we can either deter the situation or capture the suspect," Woodridge Police Chief Gina Grady said.
"I think it's a good idea that they keep them inside," said Emma Gavigan. "I have my little sister, and it worries me that you have these people out here and not having caught the guy. It's scary."
On Thursday afternoon, police said a man with a large butcher knife got into the passenger seat of a woman's car about 1 p.m. outside the Jewel grocery store at 2317 W. 75th St. He took her cell phone and money before telling her to drive to her bank.
On Sunday, police said a man with a handgun approached a vehicle at about 6:15 p.m. Sunday in the 2600 block of Forest Drive. He displayed the gun, police said, and took the victims' money, cell phone, debit card and a GPS before fleeing east on foot.
And on Monday, another attack occurred in the 7900 block of Janes Avenue. The assailant also carried a handgun in that instance.
The suspect is described as between 5'8 to 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-10 inches tall, late teens to early 20s with a medium build and wearing a scarf on his face.
In each case, the offender uses the element of surprise, appearing when the victim least expects it and always carrying a weapon.
Local
Police say the man is targeting cash, credit cards and cell phones, and has only struck during daylight hours.
