Bogus Reports Of Armed Robberies At Tinley Park 7-Eleven, Jewel: Cops

TINLEY PARK, IL — Reports of two armed robberies at a convenience store in Tinley Park and another at a grocery store said to have happened this week are unfounded, police said Wednesday.

The reports originated online via a user of the Ring doorbell Neighbors app, with a flurry of attention being cast on the claims via social media. The armed robberies were purported to have occurred at the 7-Eleven on 171st and Harlem Avenue, and Jewel-Osco at 171st and Harlem, all the week of July 17.

"It has come to the attention of the Tinley Park Police Department that someone has been posting false information on the Ring Doorbell site," police said via the Village of Tinley Park Public Safety Facebook page. "Specifically, that there were two armed robberies at 7-11 and one at the Jewel in the past two days. These incidents are UNFOUNDED and did NOT occur. Please be aware that false information is frequently posted on the Internet and you should confirm through a trusted source."

Tinley Park Mayor Michael Glotz commented on the false claims, calling it "unfortunate."

"It's unfortunate that people would want to give out false information to try and scare people," Glotz told Patch. "Luckily, we have a phenomenal police department that keeps us all safe."

The Tinley Park Village Board on Tuesday appointed one new police sergeant and hired five more police officers, Glotz added. At the next board meeting, an additional three police officers will be brought on, as well.

Patch has reached out to Tinley Park Police for additional comment.