Cops: Shoplifters swiping designer purses from shops off Mag Mile

Chicago Police are warning high-end retailers of a group of shoplifters targeting designer handbags at shops along the Magnificent Mile.

Groups of between two and four people have run off with several purses in at least four afternoon incidents since late June, according to a business alert issued by Chicago Police early Monday.

Two thefts happened in the first block of East Grand, first on June 27 and again Sunday, the alert said. The others were reported in the 100 block of East Oak on July 20 and June 30.

Descriptions of the thieves have varied, police said. Anyone with information should call Area Central detectives at (312) 747-8382.