Police warn of violent bike robberies in the Loop

Police are warning people in the Loop about two violent bike robberies that happened Wednesday.

In each instance, offenders approached a lone, unsuspecting victim on the street and took the victims’ bicycle with use of force, according to a community alert from Chicago Police.

Both occurred in the late evening, police said. One instance occurred on the 100 block of North Wabash Ave at 11:20 pm and the other on the 100 block of North Dearborn St at 11:35 pm.

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Both robbers are described black men between the ages of 15 and 20 years old, police said.

Police encourage people to use these tips to protect themselves from bike robbers:

  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times
  • If you must be out at night alone, stay in well-lit areas
  • Pay special attention to suspicious individuals loitering in the area
  • Report suspicious activity immediately
  • If you are confronted by an assailant, remain calm
  • Call 911 immediately if you are a victim or witness to a crime and provide adetailed description of the offender(s) including any physical/clothingidentifiers in addition to any vehicle description and license plate information
  • If approached by a witness to an incident, request they remain on scenewhen possible or obtain contact information
  • Never pursue a fleeing assailant, provide the information to the police

Anyone with information on the bike robberies should contact the Bureau of Detectives Area 3 Detective Division at (312) 744-8263.