Near West Side residents on alert after string of robberies

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A group of two to three men robbed people on the streets of Near West Side neighborhoods last week, and on Friday Chicago police issued a community alert.

Three incidents occurred between 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Jan. 16 in the 400 block of North Green and the 600 block of North Peoria. The stretch of North Green where the incidents happened is under a bridge for the Kennedy Expressway.

"It's a residential neighborhood so it's kind of strange," said resident David Dahl.

Victims were approached on the street and robbed of cash, cellphones and jewelry, police said.

"It's a little upsetting because I've been walking on this street many, many evenings and I feel fairly safe. But now I'll just maybe a little more alert," said resident Houri Gueyikien.

The men were between the ages of 18 and 20, all between 150 and 170 pounds.

They were possibly driving an older model sports-utility vehicle, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call 312-747-8382.