Recent cell phone thefts start with distractions, police warn

At least three cell phone thefts this month have taken place under similar circumstances at restaurants downtown.
A group of two to four boys or young men approach the victim while he or she is seated at a table in a restaurant, police said, asking for a donation and showing the victim a flyer.
While the victim is distracted, another member of the group places a paper over the victim's cell phone, which is lying on the table, and the robbers then flee with the unsuspecting victim's property.
According to the community alert, the similar robberies took place:
On June 6 at about 2:45 p.m. on the 100 block of West Adams Street.
Also on June 6, about 5 minutes later, at another location on the 0-100 block of West Adams Street.
On June 8, about 1:25 p.m., on the 600 block of North State Street.
The robbers, described as a group of two to four black boys or young men age 16-21.
People are warned to be aware of this behavior and to watch black men and your personal property at all times.

Anyone with information is asked to call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8382.