Chicago police warn of Hyde Park burglaries near Obama's home

July 5, 2013 (CHICAGO)

The incidents happened just blocks from President Barack Obama's home.

Police say the most recent incidents happened within one block of each other in this area at all hours of the day.

Two of the burglaries happened in the 5300-block of South Greenwood and one in the 5200-block of South Woodlawn.

Cleveland Robertson owns several buildings in the area. His apartment complex, less than a block from the President's home, was broken into twice just last month. And he is doing everything he can to prevent it.

"I put a new door, like a steel door, that cost me $2,100, then a fence around and a gate that cost me over $2,000," said Roberston, building owner.

Robertson said in his case, the suspects jimmied the doors to get in. And just this week, someone stole the hubcaps off of his car parked outside. Roberston says he feels helpless.

"I don't know, that's what I'd like to know, what am I supposed to do?" said Robertson.

Carol Parham has lived here for over 40 years. She, too, has been burglarized in the past.

"I left one window open and when I was coming home I saw someone coming down my front steps, and they took off and ran," said Parham, Hyde Park resident.

Police remind people to keep the area around your home well lit, and keep doors and windows secured.

But some of the incidents happened during the day, which is unsettling for some.

"The fact that it was happening as you said, at all hours of the day, is concerning as well since typically in the middle of the day I feel relatively comfortable having our windows open and not having all of the doors locked and secured," said Mary LaBelle, Hyde Park resident.

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