Police: Females targeted in Loop robberies

FOX 32 / SUN-TIMES - Females walking alone have been targeted in several robberies in the Loop this month with three attacks happening this week.

The females were walking alone at night and were approached by a female suspect who struck them in the head, according to Chicago Police. A male and another female then also struck the victims before taking their property.

The group of between five and eight suspects took cellphones and backpacks that contained computer tablets and ran away, police said.

"It's alarming but it just gives me a warning to be a little more alert and observant as to what's going on. You don't expect things like that as you're leaving work, on your way home," said Sia Abu, who works downtown.

Two of the robberies were reported between 9 and 9:15 p.m. Sunday in the 100 block of North Michigan Avenue and the 200 block of East Randolph Street, police said. The most recent robbery was reported about 10 p.m. Wednesday in the first block of East Van Buren Street.

Karina Dieina who also works downtown said she hasn't been rattled by the recent robberies.

"It worries me a little bit because, it makes me think it could happen to me because this is where I work, but I still feel that it's safe," Dieina said.

Police have not released detailed descriptions of the attackers but said the suspects are teenagers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Central detectives at (312) 747-8384.