Alert issued after 4 robberies near University of Chicago

Police are warning students at the University of Chicago and nearby residents to be cautious after four recent robberies near the campus.

Police say in a news release that in each case the robber either displayed a handgun or implied he or she had one before demanding the victim's property.

The robberies occurred at various times of day and night on four occasions beginning Oct. 31. The most recent was Friday.

It was unclear how many people were responsible.

According to police, some victims described the offender as a man with dreadlocks, wearing a hoodie and with a scar or tattoo on his neck.

Others said they were robbed by a woman.