Minneapolis police are warning residents of a spate of violent robberies that are targeting Hispanics in neighborhoods roughly along Interstate 35 W, south of downtown.

Police said five robberies took place between Dec. 20 and Dec. 23rd in areas that include parts of Whittier, Phillips West, Lyndale and Central neighborhoods.

In one case, a gun was shown, in another a knife. Police are advising residents to be aware of their surroundings, walk with someone else at all times and try to get a good description of the robber.

Here's the five incidents. In all of them the victims were Hispanic:

Dec. 17 at 7:40 p.m.: A man forcibly took a woman's purse as she walked at 1st Av. South and 28th St. E.

Dec. 20: 8:10 p.m. A man robbed a man in a parking lot at 38th and Nicollet Av. No weapons were involved.

Dec. 21 at 2:30 a.m.: Two men punched a male who was walking at Franklin Av. E and Clinton Av. S. They stole his backpack.

Dec. 22 at 2 a.m.: Two men approached a male, showed a knife and took his wallet and cell phone in the 27XX block of Nicollet Av. The victim was not hurt.

Dec. 23 at 12:38 a.m.: A male was leaving a city bus when a man displayed a handgun at 1st Av. S and 33 St. E. The suspect fled before taking anything from the victim.

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