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Pair Of Women Using Pepper Spray On Victims Before Swiping Purses: Police

(CBS) – Residents of Humboldt Park and Wicker Park are warned: An uncommon duo of robbers is targeting women in the neighborhood with a surprising method.

CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker reports.

In a community alert, Chicago Police say two women are using pepper spray on unsuspecting victims. Their setup: a call for help.

Right in front of Mary Khalilian's home, in the 2400 block of West Cortez, is where two women robbed another woman.

Khalilian saw the robbers take off, and she ran to help the victim.

"She said some girls came up to her and asked, 'Which way is North Avenue?' She said she didn't speak any English, and they pepper-sprayed her eyes and they took her purse," the resident says.

The attack was the first of a trio that started early Friday evening. Police say robbers also stopped a woman in the 1700 block of West Hadden and then moved to the 2200 block of West Hirsch. Each time the suspects stole purses and sometimes cell phones.

Police are still looking for the women, who were seen leaving in a cream-colored sedan.

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