Police Alert: Strong armed robber targets women in Wicker Park, Bucktown, Humboldt Park and Logan Square

The 1700 West block of Wabansia was the site on Thursday of at least the eighth strong armed robbery on the near northwest side since December.  Women walking on the sidewalk are the targets and have been robbed of their purses, money and cell phones. This incident occurred at 4 p.m. however the others have occurred early morning or late night. This is the list of the other seven incidents:

1500 block of North Hoyne - Jan. 03, 2012, 03:00 a.m.

2000 block of North Kimball - Dec. 31, 2011, 11:00 p.m.

2100 block of North California - Dec. 24, 2011, 7:00 a.m.

1900 block of North Western - Dec. 22, 2011, 11:00 p.m.

1700 block of North Central Park - Dec. 21, 2011, 6:15 a.m.

1800 block of North California - Dec. 17, 2011, 6:00 a.m.

3100 block of West Fullerton - Dec. 04, 2011, 5:20 a.m.

Offender's Description Described as male and black between 18 and 39 years old between 5' 8" and 6' 6" tall weighing between 150 and 180 lbs. Two people have described him as having dreadlocks. He has been described as wearing a gray or brown hooded sweatshirt or a black puffy coat.

What you can do

• Report any suspicious people loitering in the area.
• Be aware of this situation and alert neighbors in the area about this crime.
• If you see a crime call 911.
• If you have any information about any of these incidentsw, call the Area 5 Detectives at 312.746.8362. Report numbers for these incidents are HT617109, HT635862, HT641389, HT644217, HT645859, HV102482, HV102659, HV104613.