Key Points:
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On March 22 (Saturday), around 11 AM, a Japanese tourist was surrounded by a group of four individuals wearing masks and carrying guns in the parking lot near the Robie House, adjacent to the University of Chicago. The tourist was hit with a gun and had their bag stolen.
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Even at famous tourist spots, remain vigilant, check for suspicious persons, and be aware of your surroundings to avoid robbery incidents.
Incident Overview: On March 22 (Saturday), around 11 AM, three Japanese nationals, including residents and tourists, visited the Robie House (a famous work of architect Frank Lloyd Wright) near the University of Chicago. After parking their car in the nearby parking lot and getting out, they were surrounded by a group of four masked individuals carrying guns. The resident was struck with a gun and had their bag stolen. Additionally, a tourist in the car was forced out of the vehicle at gunpoint, hit with a gun, and had their bag stolen as well. The robbers then fled the scene. The victims have already reported the incident to the police.
Crime Prevention Measures:
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Avoid Dangerous Areas: It is generally said that the areas “south of Chinatown and west of the United Center” in Chicago have poor security. Avoid approaching these areas or their surroundings unnecessarily to reduce the risk of becoming involved in an unforeseen incident.
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Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: If you notice suspicious individuals loitering and staring at you while you are walking, do not stop your vehicle. Simply continue driving and try to escape the situation. If, after stopping your vehicle, suspicious individuals approach and speak to you, immediately drive away. There is no need to open the window to communicate with them.
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Dress Discreetly: When going out, avoid flashy clothing, jewelry, or high-end vehicles. Do not give the impression of being a tourist by carrying a camera around your neck or unfolding a map while walking. Also, avoid looking distracted by using your smartphone while moving around, as this may make you appear vulnerable.
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Do Not Carry Valuable Items or Large Amounts of Cash: Avoid carrying valuables, large amounts of cash, or unnecessary credit cards. If you must carry them, try to distribute the items across different bags or pockets to minimize the risk of losing everything in case of a theft.
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Do Not Resist the Robbers: If you are unfortunate enough to be robbed, do not resist. The robbers are determined to steal what they target, so prioritize your safety. Do not make sudden movements, like trying to pull a wallet from your jacket pocket, as it could be misinterpreted as an attempt to draw a weapon. Instead, slowly retrieve your money and show the robbers where it is located. Additionally, when attacked by robbers, avoid looking at their faces and hand over the items without hesitation. Looking at their face may cause the robber to think you are planning to report them to the police, which could provoke a violent reaction. Afterward, remember any details about their clothing or appearance and provide this information to the police.
Residents of Chicago and Japanese nationals are urged to follow these recommendations and remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to robbery.
