Chicago police have issued a warning after three violent robberies have taken place this month on the city's North Side.
In each incident, a group of men has approached victims on the street and begun punching and kicking them, police said Sunday in a community alert. The offenders then knock the victims to the ground and steal their property as they continue to beat them, authorities said.
The robberies occurred:
- at 1:10 a.m. on March 7 in the 2700 block of W. Lawrence Ave. in Ravenswood
- at 8:30 p.m. on March 7 in the 4500 block of N. Magnolia Ave. in Sheridan Park
- at 5:30 a.m. on March 11 in the 4500 block of N. Broadway in Uptown
Several area residents said they were startled to learn of the attacks.
"I walk around a lot myself at night and I'e never felt unsafe, but I felt like it was pretty surprising info to hear considering the neighborhood," said Tiffany Ketchmark.
The community alert was issued just days after another alert warned of a string of robberies near CTA Red Line stations.
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"Just try to be smart about what you're doing," said Nathan Braun, who lives in the area. "If you make yourself a target, you're going to be a target."
"If you carry yourself wisely and you take note of your surroundings then you should be alright for the most part," he added.
No one is in custody in connection with any of these incidents and authorities continue to investigate.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at (312) 744-8263.