Police: Thieves targeting phones around GSU

Georgia State University police are warning students about an increase in robberies happening in and around downtown Atlanta. Over the past three weeks, thieves have pulled off five robberies.

Police say that students' phones are being targeted.

Surveillance footage captured the crook's method in one instance. A man is seen pulling a hood over his and preparing to pounce on a female student. He moves up, pushes her in the face, grabs her phone and takes off running.

Another camera shows that the thief wasn't working alone. Several men were seen running along Piedmont Road downtown.

There are different police patrols in the area including GSU police, Georgia Congress Center Authority Police and Atlanta Police, but authorities said that the crimes can happen very quickly. They are warning students to be aware of their surroundings when they have their phones out.

"We communicate with our partners downtown and within the campus communities and get the word out," said Deputy Chief Carlton Mullis of the GSU Police Department.

There have been no injuries in any of the thefts in the past few weeks.