A community alert was issued this week after a series of strong-arm robberies around the Prairie Avenue Historic District, on the city's near south side.
In a series of incidents, the offenders -- three men and in at least one instance a woman -- exit a vehicle, approach the victims from behind, knock them to the ground and take their valuables, according to the alert.
"It's pretty scary. You think this is a safe neighborhood. It's all families, and it's pretty scary to hear that's happening here," said Kimberly Giblin, who lives in the area.
Robberies have occurred in an area bounded by Roosevelt Road on the north and 18th Street on the south, between Prairie and Michigan avenues.
The robbers are described as:
- Three to four black males between the ages of 18 and 25. They stand between 5 feet, 10, inches to 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weigh between 140 and 200 pounds. The wore dark clothing during the robberies, police said.
- A black female between 16 and 19 years old, who stand about 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs between 120 and 130 pounds.
Police advise people not to display iPods, cell phones, or anything of value as they are walking. Anyone with information should call Belmont Area detectives at 312-744-8263.
