A string of thefts were reported recently at retail stores in the Loop.

In each incident, a group of people entered the store, put merchandise in a bag and fled without paying, Chicago police said.

The thefts happened:

· About 7:10 p.m. Dec. 6 in the 100 block of North State Street;

· About 4:35 p.m. Dec. 7 in the 100 block of North State Street;

· About 11:45 a.m. Dec. 12 in the first block of East Randolph Street; and

· About 8:50 p.m. Dec. 12 in the 100 block of North State Street.

As many as seven people were suspected in two of the thefts, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.