A string of weekend iPhone robberies in Lakeview has 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney cautioning area residents.
According to Erin Duffy, director of community outreach for Tunney's office, the neighborhood saw 6-7 robberies July 12-14.
"There were a string of robberies throughout the neighborhood between 1 a.m. and 5 p.m.," said Duffy.
Duffy said that iPhones appeared to be the target and that some of the robberies occurred at gunpoint.
Tunney posted on his Facebook page that police had arrested six in connection with the robberies and that two others were in custody for other robberies.
Police could not immediately confirm the robberies, as addresses for the incidents were not immediately available.
Duffy said that the neighborhood has seen other robberies over the summer, but that the past weekend may have seen more than is usual. She added that residents have also been noting crimes with greater interest due to a handful of area crime blogs.
Interest in crime in the area, home to the city's official gay neighborhood, turned controversial in 2011, after residents reported an uptick in violent crime and youth advocates accused residents of scapegoating LGBTQ homeless youth.
Tunney urged residents to attend upcoming Community Action Policing meetings.
Beats 1923 and 1925 will meet Aug. 7 at the 19th District Police Station, 850 W. Addison at 7 p.m.
Beats 1924 and 1933 will meet Aug. 8 at Illinois Masonic Hospital, 836 W. Wellington at 7 p.m.
Beats 1935 and 1932 will meet Aug. 12 at New Life Church, 1110 W. Lill.
Beat 1934 will meet Aug. 7 at 850 W. Addison.
Residents can look up what beats they live in at: portal.chicagopolice.org/portal/page/portal/ClearPath/Get%20Involved/How%20CAPS%20works.