CHICAGO — Two women were robbed in separate but possibly related attacks in broad daylight on Sunday in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, raising new concerns about daytime public safety despite declining robbery rates in the area.
Two Incidents, One Pattern?
The first robbery took place around 10:40 a.m. near the intersection of Kinzie and Green Streets, according to preliminary information from the Chicago Police Department. At least three assailants struck the woman and stole her purse.
Witnesses reported seeing the attackers flee in a black Jeep Grand Cherokee with a loud muffler, a detail that later became important in the unfolding investigation.
License Plate Reader Picks Up Suspect Vehicle
At approximately 12:20 p.m., a Chicago Police Department license plate reader detected the same Jeep in the 1500 block of West Division Street. Just ten minutes later, a second robbery was reported a half-mile away.
Second Victim Targeted Just Blocks Away
In the second attack, a 42-year-old woman was walking in the 1000 block of North Paulina Street when she was pushed to the ground by a male suspect who then grabbed her purse and fled.
The suspect in this incident was described as a thin Black male wearing a black hoodie and a gray shirt.
Robbery Trends In West Town
West Town had experienced a major spike in robbery reports during the pandemic years, enduring nearly three years of sustained robbery sprees. However, robberies have decreased sharply in 2025, according to data from the Chicago Police Department.
Police data shows that robbery cases are down at least 40% in the two police districts that oversee West Town, suggesting a shift in neighborhood safety metrics despite these recent incidents.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have not confirmed whether the same suspects were involved in both robberies, but the vehicle match and proximity in time and location are being reviewed as part of an ongoing investigation.
Residents are encouraged to report any tips or security footage that may assist detectives in identifying and arresting the suspects.
Have you witnessed similar daytime crimes or seen the black Jeep with a loud muffler in your neighborhood? Share your observations in the comments below to help raise awareness and support public safety in West Town.
