CHICAGO, IL – As the sun sets and Chicago’s vibrant nightlife awakens, a shadow looms over the city’s bustling bar districts. Chicago police have issued a stark warning about a series of armed robberies targeting patrons and ride-share drivers around closing time, particularly in popular areas like Wrigleyville.
The threat has become a pressing concern for ride-share drivers, who fear they could become easy targets in these high-traffic zones. Lori Simmons, representing Chicago’s Gig Alliance, highlights the anxiety gripping the 85,000 ride-share drivers across the city. “We’ve had drivers accosted while waiting for passengers,” Simmons said, emphasizing the growing unease among drivers.
Police suspect a single crew is responsible for a string of eight armed robberies since early January. These incidents typically occur when individuals are distracted, searching for their rides on their phones. Five of these robberies have taken place on the ever-busy Clark Street, a hub for nightlife enthusiasts.
Authorities are urging both passengers and drivers to stay vigilant. The robbers, often a group of three to four armed individuals, have been preying on unsuspecting victims who are caught off guard while waiting for their ride-share pick-up. In some cases, the thieves have even attempted to access victims’ bank accounts after stealing their phones.
The Gig Alliance is particularly concerned about the potential for drivers to become targets. “The problem is growing,” Simmons noted, advising drivers to keep their doors locked and verify the identity of passengers before allowing them into their vehicles.
Chicago police are actively reviewing surveillance video from the areas affected, hoping to identify and apprehend the suspects. In the meantime, they urge everyone frequenting these nightlife districts to remain aware of their surroundings and exercise caution.
The string of robberies has cast a pall over Chicago’s nightlife, leaving both patrons and ride-share drivers on edge. As the investigation continues, the community remains on high alert, hoping for a swift resolution to restore a sense of safety and normalcy.