Police Warn Of Robbers Ripping Phones From Peoples' Hands In The Loop

By Mike Ewing in News on Apr 11, 2016 6:37PM

Thieves are ripping cell phones and headphones away from unsuspecting people in the Loop, according to a new Chicago police alert.

An alert issued by CPD says at least six separate thefts in March and April targeted people as they walked on sidewalks or waited on CTA platforms near Millennium Park downtown. The robberies happened throughout the day, from 11:40 a.m. to as late as 1:30 a.m., at the following locations:

• The 0-100 block of East Randolph Street on March 6 at 1:30 a.m.


• The 100 block of N. State Street on March 17 at 7:30 p.m.


• The 0-100 block of South Wabash Avenue on March 31 at 10:15 p.m.


• The 0-100 block of East Lake Street on April 1 at 9:25 p.m.


• The 100 block of North Wabash Avenue on April 4 at 11:40 a.m.

Police describe the thieves as both individuals and groups of boys who look as young as 10. They sneak up behind their victims and sometimes use physical force to take the items away. Police warn everyone to be aware of their surroundings and to immediately report any suspicious activity.