Thief rips necklaces from women's necks on CTA trains

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police are warning CTA riders of a man stealing expensive necklaces from women on Blue and Red Line trains.

A community alert said the suspect waits for a train to approach a stop, rips the necklace off the victim's neck and takes off running through the opening doors.

Police said the suspect has stolen three necklaces in the last three weeks.

The most recent robbery occurred on a Blue Line train near the Division stop in the 1200-block of North Milwaukee Avenue around 6:50 a.m. Wednesday.

Another took place on a Red Line train near the Cermak-Chinatown stop in the 100-block of West Cermak Road around 7:05 a.m. on Aug. 3.

The first victim was robbed on a Blue Line train near the UIC-Halsted stop in the 800-block of West Harrison Street around 3:30 p.m. on July 27.

CTA surveillance photos show the suspect is a bald African American man between 20 and 30 years old with a dark complexion. He is between 5 ft. 3 in. and 5 ft. 6 in. tall and weighs about 145-155 pounds. He was wearing a light-colored baseball cap in two of the photos.

Police urge CTA riders to be alert and to keep valuable jewelry in a purse or bag during their commute.

Anyone with information regarding these robberies should contact Area Central detectives at (312) 747-8384.