Three victims have been robbed at gunpoint recently in Chicago’s Morgan Park neighborhood.

Police note the robberies, all in the 22^nd Police District, occurred when a young man approached the victims, displayed a handgun and took items from them. One of the victims had gone to a location to buy a cellular telephone through an online ad.

The armed robberies occurred at:

• 3:45 p.m. June 25 in the 8800 block of South May Street.
• 9:45 a.m. June 28 in the 8900 block of South Racine Avenue.
• 11 p.m. July 2 in the 8800 block of South May.

The offender was described as a black man, 18-21 years of age, 5 feet 8 inches, 170 pounds, with short hair and a tattoo on his face.

Police offered the following tips to avoid being the victim of an armed robbery and how to react, if robbed:

• If buying products from an online ad, meet the seller in a public place like a police station to conduct the transaction.
• Call 911 immediately and provide a detailed description of any suspicious people, including any vehicle description and license plate information.
• Use common sense when making Internet purchases. Remember the phrase, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
• Keep a record of all transactions and correspondences, including the seller’s identification, telephone number and email.
• If confronted by an offender, attempt to remain calm.
• Keep tracking software and security locks on your cell phone.
• Document serial numbers for your electronics and keep a record at your residence.
• Never pursue a fleeing assailant. Provide the information to police.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Walk in well-lit areas.

Anyone with information about the armed robberies or the offender should call the Chicago Police Department’s Bureau of Detectives for Area South at 312-747-8273.