Robbers target women on Chicago's Northwest Side

Robbers target women on Chicago's Northwest Side

 Chicago police are warning residents on the city’s Northwest Side after a series of strong-arm robberies targeting women in residential buildings. The Chicago Police Department issued a community alert on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, citing a pattern of incidents in the Dunning and Schorsch Village neighborhoods.

Authorities say the robberies appear to be connected and are urging residents to remain alert while investigators work to identify the suspect.

Robbery Pattern Under Investigation

According to police, the suspect has been following women on foot and entering residential buildings behind them. Once inside vestibules or garage areas, the individual allegedly uses force to take personal belongings before fleeing the scene.

Investigators said the robberies occurred in areas where residents may feel secure once inside their buildings, increasing concern among neighbors and prompting the community alert.

Police emphasized that the incidents were not random and appear to follow a similar pattern in multiple locations.

Incidents Reported on December 28

Authorities confirmed two reported robberies on Sunday, December 28, 2025, which they believe are related.

The first incident occurred around 1:14 p.m. in the 8100 block of West Addison Street in the Dunning neighborhood. The second took place approximately 90 minutes later, around 2:49 p.m., in the 3200 block of North Newland Avenue in the Schorsch Village area.

In both cases, police say the suspect followed the victims into secured areas before confronting them.

Items Taken During Robberies

During the reported incidents, the suspect stole a range of personal property, including cell phones, Ventra transit cards, cash, purses, and shopping bags.

Police noted that no weapons were reported during the robberies, though force was allegedly used to take the items. Authorities have not released details about the victims in order to protect their privacy.

Officials continue to review surveillance footage from nearby buildings and businesses in an effort to identify the suspect and track movements between incidents.

Suspect Description Limited

The suspect is described as a male wearing all black clothing and a black balaclava-style mask. Because the suspect’s face was covered, police said they are unable to provide further identifying details at this time.

Investigators believe the suspect fled the scenes on foot. Police are asking residents to be alert for anyone matching the description or behaving suspiciously in residential entryways.

Police Safety Guidance

The Chicago Police Department is advising residents to remain aware of their surroundings, particularly when entering or exiting apartment buildings, garages, or vestibules. Police recommend avoiding distractions such as using a phone while walking and being cautious if someone follows closely behind.

Authorities also urge residents to report suspicious behavior immediately and to contact police if confronted or if they believe they are being followed.

Officials stressed that timely reporting can help prevent additional incidents and assist investigators in identifying patterns.

Ongoing Investigation

Detectives with the Area North Bureau are continuing to investigate the robberies and are asking anyone with information to come forward. Police say community cooperation will be critical in identifying the suspect and preventing further incidents.

Residents in the affected neighborhoods are encouraged to share the alert with neighbors and building managers to increase awareness.

Anyone with information related to these incidents is asked to contact the Chicago Police Department Area North Bureau of Detectives at 312-744-8263.