Chicago police are urging drivers not to leave their unattended vehicles running - whether at a gas station or on the street - following numerous separate thefts over a seven-day period, authorities said.
After being stolen, the vehicles were used to commit robberies and carjackings, in which victims were approached near ATMs. The suspects, according to police, then robbed the victims of cash, phones and their personal belongings.
Authorities say offenders are riding together in multiple stolen vehicles, and in some instances, exited vehicles brandishing rifles and handguns before demanding property, phones and passcodes.
The following incidents were reported to police:
- Jan. 4 - 10:20 p.m. - 1300 block of North Milwaukee - Vehicle theft
- Jan. 4 - 11:50 p.m. - 3200 block of South Harding - Vehicle Theft
- Jan. 5 - 2:46 a.m. - 3500 block of South Ashland - Vehicle theft
- Jan. 5 - 5:20 a.m. - 2300 block of West Cermak - Armed robbery
- Jan. 5 -5:35 a.m. - 3400 block of South California - Carjacking
- Jan. 5 - 5:50 a.m. - 1200 block of South Campbell - Armed robbery
- Jan. 5 - 5:52 a.m. - 2200 block of West Madison - Carjacking
- Jan. 6 - 7:47 a.m. - 2100 block of West Madison - Armed robbery
- Jan. 11 - 6:30 a.m. - 2400 block of West Erie - Armed robbery
- Jan. 11 - 6:38 a.m. - 1900 block of West Augusta - Armed robbery
- Jan. 11 - 6:40 a.m. - 2300 block of West Cermak - Armed robbery
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter here.
