Community on edge after Chicago police issue alert after string of armed robberies, carjacking

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police issued an alert after a series of armed robberies and a carjacking in the Humboldt Park neighborhood in recent weeks.

It's an alarming trend with no apparent solution in sight.

A lot of stuff is senseless," said resident Curtis Nailor.

Chicago Police issued the community alert after there were 15 different armed robberies on the West Side since October 21.

The latest incidents happening Sunday afternoon near the 600-block of Saint Louis Avenue.

There was also more of the same just two days earlier in the Austin Neighborhood.

"I love my city but I'm ready to move, it's trouble everywhere you go," said one resident, who didn't want to be identified. "Chicago has gotten ridiculous."

Police said the suspects approached on foot or pulled up in a vehicle while displaying handguns and then demanded property from the victims, including a vehicle in once incident.

The suspects pistol-whipped one victim and fired a shot in the direction of another, police said.

"The whole neighborhood has changed," said resident Frank Dixon. "We used to have kids playing out in the street -- basketball -- and now you don't see any kids anymore."

Police believe the suspects could be as young as 16 or 17 years old, and that's something these residents are noticing.

"These younger guys, these younger females, they don't go to school so they have to do something with their time," Nailor said. "And nine out of 10 times, it's negative. Education is the problem."

Police said Hyundai's and Kia's are also the most common targets for these carjackings.

"My brother-in-law and sister had their car broken into this times ... a Kia," Dixon said.

Chicago police said it's important you never try to chase after these suspects or resist a robbery.

Some of these West Side residents have even seen these carjackings in broad daylight and they're pleading for more patrols in these neighborhoods.

"Yesterday, it was like three going on over here. It's terrible," said one resident. "People scared to walk out their homes."

"I'd like to see the police officers do their job, patrol the streets and stop some of the violence out here," Dixon added.

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The crimes occurred in the:

-3400-block of West Huron Street on October 21 at 2:23 a.m.

-1000-block of North Trumbull Avenue on October 21 at 6:50 a.m.

-1100-block of North Monticello Avenue on October 21 at 6:55 a.m.

-1100-block of North Monticello Avenue on October 21 at 7 a.m.

-1000-block of North Lawndale Avenue on October 26 between 5:30- 6 a.m.

-3500-block of West Thomas Street on October 26 at 6:30 a.m.

-1000-block of North Central Park Avenue on October 29 at 5:43 a.m.

-500-block of North Springfield Avenue on October 29 at 6 a.m.

-3300-block of West Huron Street on October 29 at 8 a.m.

-3700-block of West Huron Street on October 29 at 8:52 a.m.

-1000-block of North Pulaski Road on November 4 at 1:12 a.m.

-700-block of South Cicero Avenue on November 4 at 1:39 a.m.

-1000-block of North Lawndale Avenue on November 4 at 9:10 p.m.

-600-block of North St. Louis Avenue on November 6 at 1:30 p.m.

-600-block of North St. Louis Avenue on November 6 at 1:50 p.m.

Anyone with information I asked to contact Area Four detectives at (312) 746-8251.