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Midlothian Taking Steps To Protect Commuters After Muggings

(CBS) -- Community members in south suburban Midlothian are taking steps to make the area safer for female commuters after four women were attacked by a mugger.

CBS 2's Mike Parker reports as the manhunt for the mugger goes on, Midlothian Police are moving to tamp down the fears of Metra commuters.

Passengers arriving at the local Metra station are getting the word via posted flyers. Midlothian Police are offering to give them rides home if the feel unsafe all they have to do is call in advance.

They may well feel threatened after four women walking alone from the train station at night have been attacked and robbed recently.

40 members of the Midlothian Community Policing Group, all volunteers, went into the very neighborhoods where the attacks took place.

"We are not the Guardian Angels. We are not trained in martial arts and self-defense. We are not out here to fight to criminals," said community policing volunteer Gary L'Heurux.

The idea of the march seemed to be to let their neighbors know there are many in the community who care for their safety.
"We are very concerned about what's going on. I fully back our police department. I have every confidence in the world that they will catch this guy," said L'Heurux.

They will be back out on the streets again Thursday night.

The first victim was attacked as she walked with her baby daughter in her arms.

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