Chicago police issued a community alert Wednesday and officials said they're doing what they can to give students "safe passage" after a number of them were robbed outside a south side school.
"The morning and after school, when it gets dark, they would take all of their belongings, like coats, phones, and keys and stuff like that," said Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy student Raphael Smith of the robbers.
Smith wasn't one of the victims, but police say three others were robbed in a two-day period as they walked to and from the school, at 250 East 111th Street.
"The safety of students is our top priority," the school district said in a written statement. "Following the incidents, we are providing Safe Passage at arrival and dismissal times along key routes for Brooks students and the school's administration has been stressing safety education to students and their families. In addition, we continue to work with CPD and other agencies on ensuring safety for Brooks students."
Anyone with information on the crimes is asked to contact police at 312-747-3100.
