Police investigating Streeterville robberies Monday night

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police are investigating two robberies Monday night in the Streeterville neighborhood just blocks and hours apart.

The first crime occurred around 9:30 p.m. as a 33-year-old woman was walking on the sidewalk in the 400-block of East Erie Street. Police said she was approached from behind by two suspects who grabbed her purse and laptop bag. The woman fell to the ground while the two ran to a waiting silver sedan.

The second robbery occurred in the 500-block of Columbus Drive at around 11:45 p.m. Police said a 47-year-old man was sitting in his car at a red light when someone opened his passenger door and got into his car.

The man was robbed and beaten in the face before the robber took off, police said. The victim managed to drive away to get help. He was hospitalized in good condition.

Lillian Ilut knows too well about crime in the city. She's been robbed at gunpoint twice, and always tries to remain vigilant.

"The only advice I could give to people is if somebody tries to rob you don't try to fight it back just give them everything you want because your life is the most important," she said.

The robberies are a reminder for those who frequent the area to always be on alert.

"I do make sure to look around i make sure to kind of check my surroundings. Even if you are at a stop sign or stop light kind of knowing where you are and not getting lost in your track," said Amber Anderson.

It is not known if the crimes are related and no one is in custody in connection with either case.