milwuakee-police logoMilwaukee – Residents in Milwaukee’s east side have been put on alert by Milwaukee police who are searching for individuals believed to be responsible for a string of overnight violent robberies.

Speaking during a press conference Lt. Mark Stanmeyer said there have been eight robberies thus far, and that during each robbery a group of people approached a victim before attacking.  The thieves demand valuables while threatening with a gun or blunt object, according to Stanmeyer.

This week, the first robbery took place on East Lyon Street. Four more robberies were reported on North Cambridge and North Humboldt avenues and East Pleasant and North Pulaski streets.  Police believe the group then stole a car around 12:20 a.m. in the 1000 block of East Knapp Street, then committed two more robberies on North Bartlett Avenue between 1 and 1:30 a.m.

Police said the final robbery also involved gunshots, although no one was injured.  The rash of random street crime in the east side has Milwaukee police on high alert.  The biggest thing is pay attention to your surroundings, Milwaukee police Lt. William Beauchene said.