Overview
- Four incidents were reported on the 600 block of North Dearborn Street at about 3 a.m. on Dec. 13, 3:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Dec. 20, and 3:30 a.m. on Dec. 21.
- Offenders approach late-night pedestrians requesting a donation or an Instagram follow to get control of the victim’s phone.
- Once in possession of the device, the group transfers money to themselves via Zelle or Apple Pay, according to police.
- Suspects are described as groups of three to eight Black men, approximately 20 to 30 years old, wearing dark clothing.
- Police report force used when victims do not cooperate, including one case where a victim was led to a larger group, and they urge tips to Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263 or CPDTIP.com using reference P25-3-055.