Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Chicago Police Warn of River North Robberies Using Phone Ruse and Payment Apps

Detectives cite an early-morning weekend cluster on North Dearborn Street, urging tips to Area Three.

Overview

  • Four robberies were reported this month in the 600 block of North Dearborn during early morning weekend hours on December 13, December 20 (two incidents), and December 21.
  • Groups approached victims by asking for a donation or a social media follow to gain access to their phones.
  • After obtaining phones, offenders transferred money to themselves using apps such as Zelle and Apple Pay.
  • Some encounters turned violent, including a case in which a victim was led to a larger group and robbed by force.
  • Police described the suspects as three to eight Black men ages 20 to 30 wearing dark clothing and asked for tips to Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263 or CPDTIP.com, referencing pattern P25-3-055.