A group of two to four individuals in Chicago has been targeting victims and stealing their belongings while riding Divvy bikes, according to police reports. In some cases, the group has even stolen victims’ cars. The incidents have left residents and workers in the downtown area concerned and on high alert.
The group, believed to be between 15 and 25 years old, has been involved in more than a dozen attacks over the span of several days. The robberies have primarily taken place in the early morning hours in Chicago’s Loop. The first incident occurred on June 19 on South State Street, and six more followed on June 25 at various locations including LaSalle Street, Michigan Avenue, Congress Parkway, Dearborn Avenue, Madison Street, and Wells Street. The following day, six additional robberies occurred on Plymouth Center, State Street, Michigan Avenue, and Wabash Avenue. The most recent incidents occurred on Friday morning on North State Street and West Washington Street.
The use of Divvy bikes by the group has surprised many, as these bikes can be easily tracked. Police are urging residents to remain calm if approached by the group and to try to remember any physical characteristics that could aid in their identification, such as tattoos or scars. However, they advise against chasing after the suspects.
The suspects have been described as wearing dark hooded sweatshirts, dark jeans, and black ski masks. The incidents have left people feeling unsafe, particularly women who may have to walk alone at night. Felicia Davis, who works downtown, expressed her concern, stating, “I think, as a single woman, it’s definitely scary, especially if I have a late night at the office and I have to walk back. I’m by myself, like, already kind of nervous, but just knowing that is happening is just one more step of, like, ‘Oh, my goodness.’ Like, you have to be really, really careful.”
Authorities are actively searching for the suspects and are urging anyone with information to come forward. In the meantime, residents and workers in the area are advised to remain vigilant and take precautions to ensure their safety.
What measures are authorities taking to address the safety concerns of Chicago residents following the string of robberies targeting victims on Divvy bikes?
Chicago Residents on High Alert as Group Targets Victims on Divvy Bikes
A group of two to four individuals in Chicago has been causing havoc in the downtown area by targeting victims and stealing their belongings, sometimes even going as far as stealing their cars. Police reports suggest that the group, believed to be between 15 and 25 years old, has been involved in more than a dozen attacks over several days, leaving residents and workers concerned for their safety.
These brazen robberies primarily occur in the early morning hours in Chicago’s Loop. The first incident took place on June 19 on South State Street, followed by six more on June 25 at various locations including LaSalle Street, Michigan Avenue, Congress Parkway, Dearborn Avenue, Madison Street, and Wells Street. On the next day, six additional robberies occurred on Plymouth Center, State Street, Michigan Avenue, and Wabash Avenue. The most recent incidents occurred on Friday morning on North State Street and West Washington Street.
What strikes authorities is the group’s choice of transportation – Divvy bikes. While these bikes can be easily tracked, the culprits have managed to elude capture so far. Police are advising residents to stay calm if approached by the group, but to make note of any distinguishing physical characteristics such as tattoos or scars that could aid in their identification. However, they strongly discourage chasing after the suspects.
Eyewitnesses have described the suspects as wearing dark hooded sweatshirts, dark jeans, and black ski masks. The continued incidents have left people feeling unsafe, particularly women who may have to walk alone at night. Felicia Davis, who works downtown, expressed her fears, stating, “I think, as a single woman, it’s definitely scary, especially if I have a late night at the office and I have to walk back. I’m by myself, like, already kind of nervous, but just knowing that this is happening is just one more step of, like, ‘Oh, my goodness.’ Like, you have to be really, really careful.”
Authorities are intensifying their search for the suspects and are urging anyone with information to come forward. In the meantime, residents and workers in the area are advised to remain vigilant and take precautions to ensure their safety.
“Bike-Riding Thieves in Chicago using Divvy Bikes as getaway vehicles highlights the need for increased security measures and stricter monitoring of bike-sharing programs. It is imperative that authorities address this growing issue to ensure the safety and security of both the public and the bike-sharing community.”