At least three robberies have taken place on or near campus in the past two weeks, prompting the University to issue crime alerts.

Two weeks ago, a group of men pushed a woman to the ground near the GW Hospital and stole her iPod. Three other people may have been involved in the robbery, according to the alert, and the thieves could have been looking for people exiting the Foggy Bottom Metro station. The crime alert described the suspect as a black male, between 14 and 16 years old, and about 5 feet 5 inches tall.

On Feb. 19, a thief stole a laptop from the Starbucks in Gelman Library. The laptop was on an occupied table when stolen, the alert said, and the thief quickly fled the store. The suspect is said to be a black male, between 25 and 35 years old, and about 6 feet tall, according to the alert.

In addition, a student reported their backpack stolen on 19th and E streets on Tuesday. When the student set her bag down to adjust her scarf, the thief – who is described as a white male, between 18 and 21 years old and about 5 feet 7 inches tall – ran by and stole the bag, according to the alert.

Each robbery has happened swiftly – in two instances, the thieves quickly grabbed the property while the owner looked away.

Both crime alerts sent by the University have noted “robberies and thefts, including pick-pocket and purse-snatch incidents, typically increase with warmer weather.”

The alerts encourage GW community members to “remain alert and aware of their surroundings at all times.”