INTERNET ALERT: Muggers near Lincolnwood School?

An email alert of undetermined origin has been circulating around northwest Evanston, alerting parents about “kids getting mugged, punched, followed, and harassed by a large group of high school age boys” near Lincolnwood School and adjacent Perkins Woods.

A spokesman for the Evanston Police Dept. said there were no alerts of that nature current, but that it is not uncommon for similar incidents to occur without being reported to the police.

A parent who lives close to Lincolnwood School, at McDaniel Avenue and Colfax Street, told Evanston Now she had seen the email and thought it may have been in reference to a recent incident when a young girl reportedly felt threatened by a group of high school age boys who followed her home on their bikes.

The police spokesman recommended that parents call 9-1-1 when something like that happens or to call the non-emergency number, 3-1-1, if the threat is not immediate, so that officers on patrol can be alerted.

Here is a complete text of the message that was being circulated through the internet:

“Just wanted to let everyone know about some recent criminal activity in Northwest Evanston.

“Within the last week there have been reports of kids getting mugged, punched, followed, and harassed by a large group of high school age boys.

“This usually happens around Lincolnwood School near Perkins Woods and surrounding area after dark, but before curfew.

“Luckily no one has been seriously hurt, but we want to let as many people know about this so you can discuss it with your kid(s).”