Police Looking for Robber Targeting Small Businesses in Lincoln Square

Police are looking for a man who they say attacked workers at two Lincoln Square businesses during attempted robberies.  The alert came from the Chicago Police Department Monday afternoon.

The first robbery occurred Thursday in the 2300 block of West Leland Avenue. At about 4:15 p.m., police said a man asked a clerk for help and then announced a robbery. The suspect punched the employee after grabbing cash from the register, police said.

The same type of robbery was reported again Sunday afternoon in the 1900 block of West Montrose Avenue. The worker gave the suspect money and tried to leave, but was punched in the face, according to police.

Join Patch for more neighborhood news and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Police say the robber was black and between the ages of 35 and 45 years old. His height ranges from 5-foot-11 and 6-foot-2 and weighs approximately 240-250 pounds. Witnesses described his skin as a medium to dark complexion and wearing a beige jacket, dark jogging pants and dark tennis shoes.

Police are urging residents to call (312) 744-8263 if they have any information on the crimes and warn local business owners to doublecheck security equipment.