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Joggers Unfazed by Lakefront Robberies

By Sam Cholke | December 12, 2012 4:14pm
 Roy Boyd said he does not feel unsafe running on the lakefront after two recent robberies.
Roy Boyd said he does not feel unsafe running on the lakefront after two recent robberies.
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DNAInfo/Sam Cholke

KENWOOD — Joggers, bikers and lakefront users were unfazed after Chicago police issued alert following two robberies on the shoreline trail.

“It’s probably a small group of knuckleheads who decided to go out and rob some people,” said Joe Damal, who was walking south on the trail in Kenwood on Wednesday. “I don’t think anybody should be afraid on the lakefront.”

Police warned lakefront users on Tuesday to be on the watch for two black men between 16 and 20 years old wearing dark clothing who reportedly robbed two people on Dec. 1 and Dec. 3 near the 43rd Street pedestrian bridge on the lakefront trail. In both instances, the two men, who were about 5'6 and 6 feet tall, approached a man on a bike and announced a robbery, according to police.

 Two men were robbed near the 43rd Street pedestrian bridge on Dec. 1 and Dec. 3.
Two men were robbed near the 43rd Street pedestrian bridge on Dec. 1 and Dec. 3.
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DNAInfo/Sam Cholke

Neither instance involved a weapon, according to police.

Hearing of the robberies, Roy Boyd said he wouldn’t change his routine of running on the lakefront.

“After 25 years, I’ve never been affected,” Boyd said, stopping his jog just south of the 43rd Street overpass.

Boyd said he never feels unsafe near 43rd Street or along a broad swathe of the lakefront.

“From 71st to Sheridan you’re good,” he said.

Boyd said he thinks he could identify someone who was not on the lakefront for recreational purposes and is always cautious when running alone.

“When I have my headphones in, I can’t tell if someone is doubling back to knock me on the head,” Boyd said. He tries to watch a passerby’s shadow to tell if they are planning an ambush.

Police are advising lakefront users to be aware of their surroundings and contact police about any suspicious activity.