At least 5 Chicago 7-Eleven stores robbed at gunpoint on North, West Sides, police say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- At least five Chicago 7-Eleven stores were targeted in armed robberies early Wednesday morning, police said.

Police have not said if any of the robberies are linked, but there's an evident pattern shown in each incident, with suspects getting away in a black SUV.

This comes just a couple days after another string of armed robberies earlier this week, all targeting 7-Eleven stores.

It's a crime spree that's become common, building up frustration among residents and businesses in every part of the city.

"It makes me feel unsafe knowing that I could just be at 7-Eleven and something could happen," West Loop resident Julianne Logan said.

"It just seems to be another day, another event," said Maureen Martino, executive director Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce.

Now, the search continues for at least two male suspects accused of several armed robberies on the North and West sides.

At one 7-Eleven, on the corner of Morgan and Monroe streets, it's credit card only as it was one of the four stores targeted by armed robbers.

Police said two male suspects, armed with handguns, entered the 7-Eleven on Monroe Street, announced a robbery and took cash from two cash registers.

The suspects also took the keys to a customer's 2017 black Jeep Cherokee, which the suspects then fled in, police said.

At about 1:45 a.m., police said another store was robbed in the 500-block of West Grenshaw Street.

Police said two male suspects, also armed with handguns, entered the store and stole money from two cash registers. They then fled in a black SUV, police said.

A third 7-Eleven robbery was reported in the 2700-block of West Touhy Avenue at about 3:11 a.m., police said.

Two male suspects entered the store armed with handguns and took cash from two registers, police said. They then fled on foot and it is not known if they got into a vehicle, police said.

The fourth robbery occurred in the 6800-block of North Western Avenue at about 3:15 a.m.

Police said two male suspects entered the convenience store, armed with handguns, and took cash from two registers. They then fled in a black SUV, police said.

No one is in custody in connection with any of the robberies and no injuries were reported. Area Three detectives are investigating.

Logan lives in West Loop and visits the 7-Eleven on throughout the week.

"For the most part, I've always felt safe," she said. "But recently, it just seems like some things have been happening where it doesn't feel as safe."

Logan said the string of armed robberies is a reminder to stay alert when out and about.

"I have pepper spray on my dog leash and I keep an eye out when I'm walking," Logan said. "I don't walk past 7 o'clock at night."

Just Tuesday, Chicago police issued a business alert warning of a string of four similar overnight robberies at 7-Eleven that happened mostly on the North Side Monday.

In one of those robberies, police said a suspect jumped out of a vehicle, pointed a black and gray 9mm gun with a blue laser attachment.

The four robberies in the police alert occurred in the:

-6800 West North Ave. at 02:42 a.m.

-1153 West Belmont Ave. at 3:37 a.m.

-2341 West Belmont Ave. at 3:50 a.m.

-2366 North Damen Ave. at 4:00 a.m.

In each of the four robberies in the alert, police said the suspects were seen in a black SUV.

Martino said she's talked to local leaders about the ongoing crime and believes real solutions come through next week's election.

"We need to really take a good look at the two candidates running for mayor and then really examine who is going to be moving this safety program forward -- not working with the SA office but working with the right states attorney office that's gonna be able to keep criminals behind bars," Martino said.

"The safety of 7-Eleven customers, Franchisees and store associates is of the utmost importance. We are gathering information and working closely with local law enforcement." 7-Eleven, Inc. said in a statement.