MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Campus police at the University of Minnesota have stepped up patrols following an increase in robberies and attempted robberies.

Police Chief Greg Hestness says a campus-wide alert has been issued, and students are being encouraged to be aware of their surroundings at all times.

“That’s just gotten more difficult with the advent of the iPod, and cell phones and texting. That’s a distraction. We see young folks stepping out into traffic while texting,” the chief said.

Some students are taking note.

“It’s a lot of common sense. Like I see some people walking home by themselves on a Friday night, stumbling, and I think what are they thinking,” said Jack Samuels, of Northfield, a freshman at the U.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO’s Susie Jones Reports

Others like Brooke Lavin say they generally feel safe on campus, but take more precautions on the weekends.

“On weekends, we make sure always to walk in groups,” Lavin said.

On Tuesday, two 18-year-old men from Minneapolis were charged with felonies in one of the incidents, which took place Sunday.

Police say some of the victims have been on their cell phones, and the robber asked to use it, then took the phone and other valuables.