Violent robberies near home leave me dealing with crap. Literally.

5:08 am: I walked out my front door, dog leash in left hand, house key in right.

5:10 am: I ran back in, terrified.

I had planned to walk my overweight pug AT LEAST five times around the block this morning, but my intentions were cut short. As soon as I made a right on Webster Ave., I spotted three young men in black hoodies at the end of the block. I stopped and stared. They picked up their pace and headed straight for me. Naturally, I freaked out, grabbed Shorty (the fat pug) and booked it back through my door, which was thankfully only feet away. Once inside, I double-locked it and listened. I could hear someone--or multiple someones--messing with my front gate; moments later, all was silent.

Hmmm, and what to do now? After accepting the fact that I would probably be picking up dog waste from the kitchen or living-room floor, I went upstairs to grab my cellphone; it was time to text the cops. Yes, I actually sent a text message to the Chicago Police Department to report my near-encounter with the three shady youngsters (and Chicagoans, you can easily do the same: https://portal.chicagopolice.org/portal/page/portal/ClearPath/Communities/Crime%20Prevention/TXT2TIP-Brochure.pdf ).

Why report this non-crime? Because my seemingly unwarranted paranoia comes at the heels of an eighth and ninth assault in my neighborhood, which both occurred August 19 around 6 am. The seven attacks before it all happened in the past three weeks, many within walking distance of my home.

Chicago's north-side Lincoln Park and Lakeview neighborhoods is where these incidences have occurred / are occurring.

All of the victims in these assaults have been young men, beaten and robbed.

While there have been no fatalities, the attacks are growing more serious and more bold. Both of the August 19 attacks happened at sunrise, while the prior assaults all occurred under the cover of darkness. The four most recent attacks have caused victims significant injury--one man was left in critical condition; the other attacks were far more benign.

So, until these money-hungry, blood-thirsty boys are off the streets (or until I hear back from the lucky dog-loving friends of mine whom I know will gladly accompany me on my early-morning pug-pulls), I won't be walking Shorty much at the 5 spot.

Chicago north-siders, please be careful when leaving your home in the morning! And don't be shy--text the coppers if you see strange characters loitering on your block.

Let's end these robberies NOW. While I'd rather clean up indoor dog crap than risk being beaten up and robbed, I really don't enjoy cleaning up indoor dog crap. Obviously. (And yes, my pug has trouble 'holding it.' A lot of trouble).