Chicago police have issued a warning to residents and visitors in the River North area following a series of robberies involving suspects using digital payment apps to steal money from victims. These crimes have escalated to violence in some instances, prompting authorities to urge vigilance among the public.
The incidents all took place on weekends in the early morning hours on the 600 block of North Dearborn Street. According to CPD, a group of up to eight individuals approached victims under the guise of requesting a donation or asking the victim to follow them on Instagram. Once the victim handed over their phone, the group then used apps like Zelle or Apple Pay to transfer money to themselves.
In some cases, force was used against victims who did not comply with the demands of the robbers. One victim was led towards a larger group of offenders where their property was forcibly taken from them.
The robberies occurred on December 13 at 3 a.m., December 20 at 3:30 a.m. and 5 a.m., and December 21 around 3:30 a.m. CPD described the group as consisting of three to eight Black men between the ages of 20 and 30, all wearing dark clothing.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is urged to contact Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com, referencing crime pattern P25-3-055.
It is essential for residents and visitors in the River North area to remain vigilant and cautious, especially during the early morning hours on weekends. By staying alert and being aware of their surroundings, individuals can help prevent themselves from becoming victims of these crimes.
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