CHICAGO (STMW) – Police have issued a community alert for the residents of one Near West Side area after some incidents where a group of young men grabbed people on the street and forcibly robbed them.

The alert was issued by the Near West Side Monroe District.

In these incidents, several males, believed to be between 13 and 18 years old, grabbed their victims and took their property by force. In one incident, the offenders struck the victims with their hands.

The robberies have happened in the 1000 block of South Racine Avenue on August 26 at approximately 2:30 a.m. and in the 1300 block of South Blue Island Avenue on August 28, at approximately 9:20 a.m.

The offenders were described as black males believed to be 13, 16, and 18 years old.

The youngest one is about 5-feet, 2-inches tall and 120 pounds, with a fade hair style. The 16-year-old is 5-feet, 9-inches tall, and 150 pounds, with a dark brown complexion, dreadlocks, and a tattoo on the upper right arm. The 18-year-old is 6-feet tall, 175 pounds, with a dark brown complexion, and dreadlocks with light tips.

Police ask that anyone who might have any information on the robberies or the suspects call 911 or Area Central detectives, at (312) 747-8380.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2012. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)