Robber strikes businesses in Belmont Gardens, Austin: police

Police are warning business owners of a pair of robberies reported in recent weeks in Austin and Belmont Gardens on the West and Northwest sides.

In both robberies, the suspect entered the business and approached the cash register while implying he had a handgun by keeping his hand in his jacket or shirt, Chicago police said in a community alert. He demanded cash from the register, and ran off or entered a black sedan.

The first robbery happened about 3:15 p.m. Oct. 24 in the 5600 block of West Division Street, police said. Another took place about 7:43 p.m. Nov. 5 in the 4400 block of West Diversey Avenue.

The suspect was described as a 30 to 40-year-old man standing between 5-foot-5 and 5-foot-8 and weighing between 150 and 200 pounds, police said. He had facial hair, a possible acne scar near his left eye and was wearing a black puffy jacket with a white emblem on the right sleeve.

Anyone with information is asked to call Area North detectives at 312-744-8263.

Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.