Chicago residents in the 9th District are on high alert as a series of vehicular hijackings and armed robberies have struck the Deering area. Authorities have issued a community alert, warning locals about the sudden uptick in these violent crimes. The incidents involve a group of four male assailants, described only as black males, NFD, who have been using a handgun to intimidate their victims before stealing their vehicles, according to the Chicago Police Department.

The first reported hijacking occurred on the 5300 Block of South Peoria Street on April 27 at precisely 10:05 p.m., and a similar incident followed just a day later on April 28 at 11:28 p.m. in the same vicinity, bringing the issue closer to residents who once felt secure amidst the familiar streets that now, as dusk falls, turn into stages for these perpetrators to execute their heinous acts, as per the Chicago Police Department.

The police offer a slate of recommendations to increase personal safety, urging the community to remember as many details as possible about the attackers, such as any scars or distinguishable features that can help in their identification, as detailed by the Chicago Police Department. They further point out that pursuing the assailants can be risky and, instead, encourage contacting law enforcement immediately. Witnesses to these incidents are also asked to volunteer information and provide their contact details to officers when possible.

Residents are urged to dial 9-1-1 right away should they fall victim to or witness such an incident, and to stay on the scene to assist police if it is safe to do so.