JEFFFERSON PARK — Police urged businesses Wednesday to step up security measures after a man armed with a knife robbed a beauty supply store and a fast food restaurant amid a spate of armed heists on the Northwest Side.
In an alert sent to local businesses, Jefferson Park Police District Cmdr. James O'Donnell said officers are investigating whether the same man robbed a Subway restaurant in 3000 block of North Central Avenue and the Sally Beauty Supply Store in the 5800 block of West Lawrence Avenue.
A man with a black scarf wrapped around his face and wearing a black hoodie and jeans robbed the Subway around 10 p.m. March 3 with a knife, Officer George Hemesath said.
A man with a red-handled knife and a shirt over his face jumped over the counter at the Sally Beauty Supply and took cash from the register March 18, Hemesath said.
No one was hurt in either robbery, Hemesath said.
On March 9, Jefferson Park Police District officials warned store-front businesses in Jefferson Park about a man with a knife who robbed four businesses.
The alert described the man as white, between 20 and 30 years old with a medium build. He was wearing a black jacket or black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and gym shoes.
Police are also investigating several burglaries of businesses in Jefferson Park. The stores' rear doors were pried open, O'Donnell said in the alert.
"If you have alarm systems, make sure they are in good working order," O'Donnell wrote. "Lighting is crucial to both businesses and residences as a deterrent to criminals."
Businesses should also invest in commercial-grade steel security doors and locks, O'Donnell said, urging residents to call police if they see people acting suspiciously.
Police urged anyone with information about any of the crimes to call 312-744-8263.
