Police urge students to report robberies after recent thefts

Three robberies involving students that occurred over the last week are being investigated by the Gainesville Police Department.

According to police, three happened in the downtown area and one occurred in Midtown. All four students were approached by unidentified men who stole the three female victims' purses and the male victim's wallet and cell phone.

Lt. Mike Schibuola said in all four cases, the victims waited until they got home to call the police.

"When someone tries to take your purse from you, that is a robbery," Schibuola said. "We take robberies very seriously."

Schoboula recommends that victims of robberies call 911 immediately after the incident if they still have their cell phones.