CHICAGO (STMW) — Police are asking for the public’s help in finding the persons responsible for a recent string of armed robberies targeting construction workers and landscapers in Chicago’s Southwest Side.

The robberies have been reported in the 6200 blocks of South Campbell and Maplewood streets in the Chicago Lawn District, according to a Chicago police community alert.

The offender(s) are described as black males, 16 – 19 years old, 5-foot-5 to 5-foot-10, and 150 – 165 pounds, wearing dark clothing and armed with a dark handgun, the alert said.

Police urge residents to be aware of their surroundings and to try to stay in well-lit areas. Avoid walking alone in alleys or gangways and stay alert for suspicious persons or vehicles, police say. Keep exterior doors locked when working indoors and keep valuables and cash out of sight.

Remember any unique physical characteristics of suspicious persons, such as a scar, limp or acne, police say.

If you are the victim of a robbery, police advise you to clearly announce any movements you are going to make prior to the action, such as “I’m reaching for my wallet.”

Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to call Wentworth Area detectives at (312) 747-8382.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2010. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)