Police in Chicago, Illinois, are advising residents to exercise caution following a series of violent robberies primarily targeting inebriated individuals in the River North neighborhood.

FOX 32 reports that at least four incidents occurred between June 16 and July 6, involving one to three African American males who assaulted and robbed individuals. 

Authorities noted that the perpetrators befriended visibly intoxicated individuals before stealing their belongings and physically assaulting them. These robberies took place during early morning hours as bars and restaurants were closing.

One victim, Tori Ledzema, shared with FOX 32 that she was forcefully pushed to the ground by four individuals in ski masks while on her way to Pilates at 5:30 a.m. She mentioned that the men attempted to access her phone.

Former FBI special agent Jonathan Gilliam told Fox News Digital in an interview that the suspects wanted one thing: access to the victim’s phone.

Criminals are targeting people in Chicago for access to their phones, one expert said. (iStock)

“But this is what it really all comes down to, is the phones. We do most of our banking on the phones, people don’t carry as much cash anymore,” Gilliam said. “So what they’re doing, and in particular, this is where it has evolved, in particular the female that was going to Pilates. They were asking for her Cash App. They wanted to get in her Cash App and get money that way. So this is something that people have to understand is that they may not be going after cash. They may be going after your apps and how to get into your apps.”

“If they can hold the phone up to your face, if they can beat you until you give them passcodes, they will go in and transfer money,” he said.