Police have released a community alert to warn people about a robbery and theft crew that we told you about on Friday morning. The team is responsible for a series of muggings, retail thefts from high-end boutiques, and phone snatchings this week near the Mag Mile and River North, we reported.
The team also targeted victims in Lincoln Park, police said in a bulletin Saturday evening. And, CWBChicago has learned that three different vehicles are connected with the team.
Police say the crew strikes in groups of two to four offenders, targeting victims inside businesses and on the street during afternoon hours.
The offenders first struck in Lincoln Park on the 1000 block of West Armitage and the 1300 block of West Fullerton on Tuesday, Dec. 3, according to CPD’s community alert.
Three more victims filed reports on Wednesday: on the 2300 block of North Lincoln, the 2200 block of North Clark, and the 600 block of North Wells.
On Thursday, four members of the crew raided the Saint Laurent store at 11 East Walton and fled with $15,000 worth of designer handbags. Less than two hours later, they pulled off a similar crime at the Magnificent Mile’s Gucci store, netting $17,280 worth of merchandise. Then, they struck again on the 1000 block of West North Avenue, police said.
A source said the four men are also suspected of robbing a victim on the 600 block of North St. Clair around 3:30 p.m. Thursday.
Police have connected the crew to a black or dark blue Kia Sportage SUV bearing an Iowa license plate that begins with DUA.
Two other vehicles have also been used in the crimes, according to police reports: A blue 2014 Acura bearing a plate that begins with AB18 and a silver Ford Flex with Oklahoma license plates.
Video surveillance showed one Gucci thief wore a black jacket with white and black-striped pants. Another wore a black coat with gray pants and white shoes. The third wore a white and gray coat with light blue jeans and white gym shoes.
Investigators said the men are black, 17- to 20-years-old, 5’10” to 6-feet tall, and 150-180 pounds.
Anyone with information about the crimes can contact Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.
