Police warn of robberies in the West Loop

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Police are warning West Loop residents about a series of robberies reported in the area.

In the first incident, a white male offender allegedly punched a female victim and continued to strike her before taking her wallet in the 400-block of W. Madison Street around 6:45 p.m. on May 4, police said.

In the second incident, a white male offender allegedly committed retail theft in the 600-block of W. Jackson Blvd. around 7 p.m. May 21. While fleeing the scene, he allegedly took the purse of a female victim, police said. The offender fled in a gold Toyota.

The offender is described as being between 5-foot-4 and 5-foot-9, 130-160 pounds with brown eyes and short hair. He is between 25-30 years old. An African American man with dreadlocks around the same age was described as the driver of the Toyota in the second incident, police said.

Anyone with information on these incidents is encouraged to contact Chicago police at 312-747-8384.