Students at UC Riverside are being warned not to use their smartphones while out walking on campus after armed robbers stole phones from students near the school.
The first robbery happened off-campus Sunday night as two female students unloaded groceries outside their home near Blaine Street and Canyon Crest Drive, officials said.
Two men, one armed with a gun, demanded cash and cellphones.
"I mean, that's absolutely terrifying," student Amy Holt said.
On Tuesday morning, one block away on Linden Street, a man flashed what appeared to be a knife, snatched a phone from a female student, and ran away, police said.
That robbery happened just a few hundred feet from the campus police station, officials said.
"I constantly tell students in the campus community, please do not use these devices when out in public, because it advertises that you have it on your person," UCR Assistant Police Chief John Freese said.
News
Top news of the day
After victims reported the robberies, campus police sent email alerts with advice on how to prevent crimes and remind students not to walk alone after dark.
After the victims reported the robberies, campus police immediately sent out email alerts.
"You can't really fight for your things," student Jennifer Ceron said. "Your life is much more valuable than a cellphone."
Investigators are checking to see if security cameras captured the robbers.
