CHICAGO (WLS) -- Police are warning the public of a group of armed robbers targeting people in Chicago's Humboldt Park and Wicker Park neighborhoods.
A community alert from police said the robberies occurred over the last two weeks.
The first victim was robbed on Feb. 21 around 1:30 a.m. at Ashland and Division near the CTA Blue Line stop.
"That's definitely alarming. This is a big, busy area. A lot of people around," said Erin Rogers, who frequents the area.
"I've seen people get pick-pocketed from the train to the bus. Then I've seen people sell drugs in this area right here. I've seen bicycles getting taken. A lot of different stuff happens, but it seems like the police are never here at the right time," said Ray Collins, who is also familiar with the area.
Two other victims were robbed in the 1200-block of North Spaulding Avenue on Feb. 25 around 9:10 p.m. and on Feb. 28 around 3:55 a.m.
Some residents, like Barbora Vochozkova who recently moved to Humboldt Park from the Czecch Republic, say they still feel safe even knowing the neighborhoods' challenges.
"When I tell people I live in Humboldt Park, they are usually giving me this kind of reaction, how do you like it? How do you feel? I feel alright. It's been fine," Vochozkova says.
But it's been anything but fine at A-1 City Wide Towing, which opened a lot in the neighborhood eight months ago. They say thieves have even poisoned their dog to get to the cars on their lot, so they're not surprised by the latest rash of crime.
"They have been stealing radios, batteries, whatever they can get their hands on," says Salvador Gonzalez. "We are going to put cameras to see if we can try to get some of these guys, because we are responsible for everything that goes on here."
Detectives said in each incident, there were between two and four men involved. At least one took out a handgun and forced the victim to hand over valuables. In one of the robberies, a victim was pistol-whipped.
The alert said after each robbery, the suspects got away in an SUV - possibly a gray or black 1990s or older model Chevy Blazer - that was waiting for them.
Police said the suspects are men between the ages of 15 and 30, between 5 ft. 5 in. and 5 ft. 11 in. tall, weigh around 120-160 lbs. and were wearing black of blue hooded sweatshirts.
Anyone with information regarding the armed robberies should call Area North detectives at 312-744-8263.
Police urge residents to report any suspicious activity and to be on guard.