Sweet-Toothed Robber Targeting Dollar Stores in Morgan Park, Gresham: Cops

CHICAGO, IL -- A sweet-toothed robber is believed to have held up four dollar stores within the past month in the Morgan Park and Auburn-Gresham neighborhoods. Chicago police think the robberies are connected.

According to a community alert issued to local businesses, a lone offender has entered dollar store-type businesses where he approached cashiers with candy to purchase. When the cashier opened the register, police said the man brandished a gun and demanded money.

All of the robberies occurred in the evening hours between 5 and 9 p.m. Four stores have been targeted by this individual between Nov. 27 and Dec. 28, police said.

The offender is described as an African-American male in his thirties, approximately 5-feet-7-inches to 6-feet tall, and weighing 175 pounds. He has a light complexion, with goatee style facial hair. Police have released surveillance photos of the individual believed to be repsonsible.

The Chicago Police Department offers the following safety tips to businesses:

• Ensure your business has a surveillance system located on the inside and outside of the establishment.
• Keep a hold-up alarm system within reach of the cash register.
• Train employees in how to deal with robbery situations safely.
• If possible, close your business while waiting for responding officers to preserve any evidence left by the offender.
• Never pursue a fleeing assailant’ provide the information to police, including the path and means of escape, if possible.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call the Area South Property Crimes Unit at 312-747-8273. Reference these police report numbers:
HZ531345, HZ557483, HZ560265, HZ568235