Police warn of Gold Coast, Streeterville robberies
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Police have issued an alert after a series of robberies in Chicago's Gold Coast and Streeterville neighborhoods.
In the five incidents, robbers ran up behind the victims and ripped their cell phones or purses right from their hands, police said.
The robberies occurred in the:
- 200-block of East Pearson Street in the evening on May 28,
- 800-block of North Lake Shore Drive in the evening last Friday,
- 100-block of East Oak Street in the evening on Monday,
- 200-block of East Chestnut Street in the evening on Monday,
- 800-block of North Lake Shore Drive in the evening on Monday.
Police said there are two male suspects, 5'05"-5'10", 130-160lbs and 14-18 years old and two female suspects, 5'03"-5'06", 130-160lbs and 17-21 years old. The suspects fled the scene in a white vehicle with tinted windows or a gray Ford.
The area is popular among tourists and has neighbors concerned.
"I think it's awful," said Isabella DiSanto, who lives in the Gold Coast. "It's surprising in this area. I feel like it's usually relatively safe."
"It just doesn't seem like the place for crime, so I am pretty surprised, I guess, that it's in this area because Michigan Avenue is so populated with shoppers and I guess that's prime picking for people if they are not very alert," said Mary Therese Forsyth, who works in the area.
As a result of the recent robberies, Alderman Brian Hopkins said he is considering making changes, including parking restrictions during the evening and overnight hours.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Central detectives at (312) 747-8380.
