Businesses in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood are being warned about a bandit who has struck three local firms since late December.

Chicago police said in each of the incidents, the man has entered a business, produced a handgun and announced that a robbery was taking place.

The robberies were at:

• 10:40 a.m. Dec. 23 in the 4100 block of West 47^th Street.
• 4 p.m. Jan. 4 in the 4400 block of West 59^th Street.
• 2:10 p.m. Jan. 15 in the 4300 block of West 55^th Street.

The robber is described as black, 28-30 years of age, 165-210 pounds, 5 feet 9 to 6-3, possibly with hazel eyes, and wearing a green/yellow safety vest, mask and gloves.

Police are warning business owners and employees in the area to:

• Always be aware of their surroundings.
• Report suspicious activity immediately.
• Remain calm, if confronted by an assailant.
• Remember any unique physical characteristics (scars, limp, acne, teeth, etc.)
• Never pursue a fleeing assailant and provide the information to police.
• Save a copy of any video surveillance for investigating detectives.
• Request contact information, if approached by a witness.
• Dial 911 immediately and remain on the scene, when possible.

Anyone with information regarding the robberies should contact the Chicago Police Department’s Area Central Bureau of Detectives at (312) 747-8380.

—- Help sought in Chicago Lawn robberies . —-