Group of Teen Thieves Targeting Shops, Cellphone Users in Chicago Neighborhood, Victims Say

A group of teens have entered at least two Chicago businesses distracted shop owners and patrons before making off with phones and tablets, police and victims say.

The robberies all happened in broad daylight on busy streets in the Bucktown neighborhood. Kim Blackburn was working at Red June Café Friday when three teenagers walked through the door.

“They were looking over the place, asked if they could have an application and grabbed my phone out of my hands behind the counter and ran out,” she said.

Blackburn said they also tried to grab her iPad but it was attached to the counter.

“I quickly chased after them, I don’t know what I was going to do,” she said. “I ran out the door and saw them hop into a minivan and they sped off down the street.”

A similar incident was reported at Asha Salon on Damen Avenue. Police say a group of teens entered the salon, caused a disturbance and stole phones from at least two employees.

Police say the suspects were driving a white minivan.

The Bucktown Community Watch Group told NBC 5 they were patrolling the neighborhood Monday afternoon to keep an eye out.

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