Violent iPhone Theft in Ward 3

These two robberies occurred yesterday, within fifteen minutes of each other.  Here are the crime reports from the Metropolitan Police Department:

On February 23, 2011, at approximately 7:00 PM, the victim was walking in the 5900 block of Nebraska Avenue when a dark-colored vehicle pulled alongside the victim and asked if the victim had a cell phone. The victim said "no." The perpetrators struck the victim about the body with their fists and removed personal property from the victim's pants pocket. The perpetrators fled the scene in the dark-colored vehicle with unknown make, model and tag numbers. No weapon was displayed during this robbery.

On February 23, 2011, at approximately 7:15 PM, the victim exited their vehicle in the 6600 block of 31st Street, when the victim was approached by a dark-colored vehicle. The occupants of the dark-colored vehicle asked the victim for directions. The perpetrators exited the vehicle and approached the victim and commenced to striking the victim about the body with their fists. One of the perpetrators demanded the victim's car keys. The victim complied. The perpetrator attempted to take the victim's vehicle but was unsuccessful. The suspects re-entered the dark-colored vehicle and fled the scene. No weapon was displayed during this robbery.

The Second District has increased police patrols in this neighborhood.