CHICAGO -- Police warned residents on the Southwest Side about a string of home invasions that could be linked to attacks on the Northwest Side.

There were strong similarities with the crimes on the North Side, where the culprits posed as utility workers or repairmen, NBC5's Rob Elgas reported.

Police said at least six people have entered Chicago neighborhoods targeting senior citizens. Some of the ruses used have included claiming to need to inspect cars or property, or being members of utility companies.

In a nine-day crime spree, the men, and possibly women, came to the 4100 block of South Montgomery, and at least four other Southwest Side locations.

"Other attempts, members have also received phone calls prior to the incidents occurring," said Sgt. Gregory Jackson of the Chicago p olice. "They knock on the door, they gain entry. One individual would distract the subjects, as other individuals go through the properties, as well as taking personal properties from the victims."

One woman involved in an attempted invasion the Northwest Side fought back in her own way, Elgas reported. She threw the culprit out. Although it was a defensive move, police said people should call 911 if they suspect something is wrong. Police said in two other cases, two people have been attacked inside their homes.