Community Safety Alert - Muggings Reported

Thank you for everyone who has sent us various emails and comments about the recent string of muggings in the neighborhood. If you're not aware, please be extra mindful and report anything suspicious. There was a story on the news last night about something at 16th and Michigan.

For more details please read yesterday's release from the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance:

SAFETY ALERT - Muggings

This information was shared by the police officers on the scene of the most recent mugging. We were asked to share this alert with neighbors.

An unfortunate incident occurred just outside the gate (1642-1714 S Indiana) at 5 pm on July 9. A young woman who was on her way to visit a friend living at the address listed above was knocked to the ground by two people and her bag was stolen. They ran to the end of the block, got in a white car and escaped. Other than being emotionally shaken, she is alight.According to the police, this is the 4th or 5th such incident in the neighborhood in the last few days. Most of the attacks have occurred on Indiana between 14th and 18th. One occurred in the alley, and one on Prairie. They have targeted men and women walking alone carrying a bag or briefcase. One victim was riding a bicycle. Each time there have been two attackers, some reported two men, some report a man and a woman.

There has been some degree of "planning" - that is, the victims were being targeted a block or two away as they walked down the street. It is believed there are three individuals working together...one driving the car and two that are attacking/stealing. All three have been identified as African Americans - all in their 20s. One of the attackers is thought to be either a woman or a man with dreadlocks (causing some confusion as to whether the attackers are two men or a man and a woman). The third individual (the driver) has been double parked about 1/2 block up from where the victim was attacked. Two cars have been reported as being used. A black Sedan (potentially a Saturn) and a white car (potentially a Honda).

Please be alert as you walk and ride your bikes. The police have asked that any suspicious behavior be reported.