Armed Robbery Spree Sweeps through West Loop Businesses in Less Than an Hour

A group of armed robbers targeted eight West Loop businesses in less than an hour on Thursday morning. The robbery spree took place between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. and was later followed by an additional incident, bringing the total to seven. In each case, two or three males entered the business while one acted as a lookout and another waited in the getaway car. They would then display handguns, demand money from the register, and take cigarettes from the shelf before fleeing in the car.

The incidents occurred at various times and locations, including the 1500 block of West Madison Street, the 0-100 block of North Clinton Street, the 500 block of West Grenshaw Street, the 900 block of West Washington Boulevard, the 200 block of West Jackson Boulevard, the 500 block of West Roosevelt Road, and two on the 3600 block of North Western Avenue. The offenders were described as four to five Black males wearing blue medical gloves, dark hooded sweatshirts, face coverings, and one wearing a maroon winter coat.

The Chicago Police Department is reminding businesses to be vigilant and alert their neighbors to any suspicious people or vehicles in their area. They are also advised to install functional surveillance cameras and pay close attention to any suspicious activity that may occur. Anyone with information should contact the Bureau of Detectives—Area 3 at 312-744-8263 or submit anonymous tips at cpdtip.com.