Chicago really is an easy mark. Just add up all of what they bring to the table; high crime, onerous laws, and a strong history of anti-civil rights policies and politicians. The latest news from the police blotter – which is active nearly all day every day – that’s worth bringing up, involves a string of robberies. The robberies follow the same pattern and illustrates why it’s of extreme importance to have a good sense of situational awareness. The community alert comes from 025th District Grand Central.

This alert gives notice to residents of 025th District of a pattern of armed robberies in the overnight and early morning hours. In these incidents, the victims are on foot on their way to work, and a gray KIA SUV, occupied by three or four black males, pulls up to the victim’s location. The offenders exit the vehicle armed with firearms, and demand the victim’s belongings.

Any early warning of this type of crime could be difficult, given the way it’s been described. This is the equivalent of a pedestrian smash-and-grab. That does not change the fact that having a good sense of situational awareness and being cognizant of one’s own personal responsibility, only can aid in attempts to not become a victim of a violent crime. There’s no need to be completely hapless and helpless.

The areas, dates, and times which the Chicago PD said that these events have occurred are as follows:

•         April 27, 2023 at 5:00 am 4300 block of W Hirsch St
•         April 27, 2023 at 5:15 am 1500 block of N Kedvale Ave
•         April 27, 2023 at 5:30 am 4600 block of W Armitage Ave
•         April 27, 2023 at 5:45 am 1200 block of N Kostner Ave

Not knowing much about the geography of Chicago and looking at these locations on a map, that’s an impressive feat from the criminals. The trip, without stops, could take upwards of 20 minutes to drive under normal circumstances, so for these criminals to be able to rob someone every quarter of an hour for a full hour, that’s kind of efficient.

What sage advice does the Chicago Police have for the citizens of the Windy City?

• Be aware of your surroundings, including other vehicles in traffic
• If you are confronted by an assailant try to remain calm
• Remember any unique physical characteristics (scars, tattoos, acne, hairstyle)
• Dial 911 immediately and remain on scene when possible
• Report suspicious activity immediately
• Never pursue a fleeing assailant, provide the information to the police

The Chicago Police are really undercutting what else the citizens should do or be prepared with. There are a number of defensive options out there that are more than appropriate for such situations. While every robbery and violent encounter is different, and being outnumbered as well as out gunned, does put people at a disadvantage, that does not change the fact that there are options.

Illinois, like the rest of the country – in theory – allows for the concealed carry of firearms when permitted. The Chicago Police should be giving out free lessons to the citizens on firearm use and handling because they simply cannot create a safe environment for the residents.

Granted, firearms are not the answer to everything. That’s a reality that I’ve come to a long time ago, however, they are an option, and a very viable one at that. So, while the criminals are out there robbing the unsuspecting public, every fifteen minutes for an hour, as was the case in this situation, it would not take too many encounters with an armed victim, before the criminal activity would actually start to subside. For the police of Chicago, or any jurisdiction for that matter, to be not offering up some of this as advice is near a disservice to the public at large.

There are plenty of other options available for those who wish to take responsibility for their own safety and wellbeing. Non-lethal and less-than-lethal options like pepper spray, electric shock weapons, tactical pens, etc. can all act at force multipliers. Training in any of the aforementioned, as well as that of general crime awareness is out there as well. Martial arts classes are also a very viable option. None of which, are those who swore to protect the population, advocating for the people they’ve been charged to keep safe, to look into.

The unfortunate thing is that the people most in need of being told about this or should be reading something like this, are probably the least likely to stumble upon it. Unless a person is going to use a web browser to look up “how to stay safe in Chicago,” or “options for self-defense in cities,” or “what do I do when my politicians have failed me,” or something like that, they’re not likely to run into this concept. The best we can do is put the seed out there, advocate for people to train, and urge people to take responsibility for their own safety. And, just hope that the mentality of rugged individualism will germinate, even in a pinko safe haven like Chicago.