Police warn Chicago Lawn CTA bus riders of robberies: Alert - FOX 35 News Orlando

Chicago Police are warning residents of the Southwest Side Chicago Lawn area of a series of robberies of people on CTA buses or waiting at bus stops on Western Avenue.

Five incidents have occurred in November and December in the 6800 and 6900 blocks of South Western, according to a community alert issued Wednesday.

The victims were riding a bus or waiting at a bus stop when between one and three offenders approach, grab their cell phones and flee.

"I have customers coming in here complaining," says Eddy Suliman who works at the Connection Store nearby. "They'll be outside on the phone and they'll come up and snatch it and run off."

Investigators say at least 5 robberies have taken place near here within the past 2 months.

Employees at the Connection store say they've had teens try to sell them stolen phones.

However, pertinent information in the phone is what is helping them from falling victim.

Passengers waiting for the bus are concerned.

"I always tell my son to keep his cell phone in his pocket, don't even flash it in front of anyone because people do seem to take your phone," says commuter Arnika Scott.

Others feel they have their own answers to the problem.

"Keep your old cell phone and then put a piece of tape on it or put a Band-Aid on it or something so it won't look attractive," says commuter Randy Wilson. "If it don't look good, they don't want it."

The Chicago Transit Authority released this statement: "As part of our partnership with CPD, we routinely review surveillance video which is provided to assist with their investigations."

Police and the CTA remind passengers to be vigilant.

The incidents have occurred:

• in the 6900 block of South Western on Nov. 28 at 11:25 a.m.;
• in the 6900 block of South Western on Nov. 29 at 5 p.m.;
• in the 6800 block of South Western on Dec. 6 at 6:15 p.m.;
• in the 6900 block of South Western on Dec. 8 at 3:05 p.m.; and
• in the 6800 block of South Western on Dec. 9 at 8:05 p.m.

The offenders are described as one to three black males 13 to 21, between 5 and 6 feet tall, and 120 to 180 pounds.

The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.