Chain-Snatching Robberies Continue Along Chicago’s Lakefront
Recent reports indicate that the city’s chain-snatching robbery problem has spread northward, with two incidents occurring along the lakefront this week. The first incident took place near Belmont Harbor, followed by another near North Avenue Beach.
On Wednesday afternoon, a woman had her chain snatched by two men near the Belmont Harbor boat docks around 4 p.m. The suspects fled north after committing the crime.
Then, on Thursday around 6:30 p.m., another woman was targeted when two men grabbed her, threw her against a fence, choked her, and stole her chain in the 1500 block of North Lake Shore Drive. The perpetrators fled under Lake Shore Drive to the lakefront, with one of them riding a bike.
In both incidents, the suspects were described as Hispanic. The individuals involved in the Wednesday robbery were both wearing baseball hats, with one being taller than the other. On Thursday, the primary robber was wearing a white t-shirt and a face mask.
The rise in chain snatchings can be traced back to a series of incidents reported by attendees leaving Lollapalooza over the summer. While most of the crimes initially occurred in the Loop and downtown along the lakefront, the recent incidents highlight a concerning trend moving northward.
Chicago police issued their first warning about the pattern of chain-snatching crimes just two weeks ago, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
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