Ottawa police are investigating 8 robberies in the Greenboro-Hunt Club area. While no one has been hurt, in 5 of the robberies the suspects threatened their victims with a handgun. “The level of violence is certainly higher than some of street level robberies or swarmings that we see,” say Staff Sgt. Mike Haarbosch of the Ottawa Police robbery unit.

Police believe some might be linked but aren't sure yet. They call these crimes of opportunity. “We are asking people to be a little extra vigilant… particulary after dark,” says Staff Sgt. Haarbosch. “Be mindful of information you are displaying- like walking down the street, texting on the phone.”

Here are the locations of the robberies:

October 31 at 9:30pm Cahill Drive/Albion Road: a lone female was robbed of her bag by a lone male who was with 5-10 other males who lingered in the periphery.

October 31 at 8:40pm Margrave Avenue/Zaidan Drive: a male victim and two friends walked by a group of males and as they passed, two of the males approached. One of the suspects produced a handgun as the second searched the victim. A cellular phone and candy were taken.

October 31 at 10:30pm 100 block of Celtic Court: a lone male was circled by a group of males and a demand was made for the victim’s phone. The victim was able to run but was caught, assaulted, and had his cell-phone taken.

October 31 at 11:40pm Uplands Drive/Hunt Club Road: two female victims were waiting for a bus when three males approached. A handgun was produced by one male and a demand was made for purses and cell-phones.

November 2 at 5:45am Bridle Path Road/Crosscut Terrace: three males were approached by three-four male suspects. One suspect produced a handgun and a demand as made for cell-phones. Cell-phones were taken.

November 3 at 7:45pm: a 23 years old male was approached on a footpath near the Lorry Greenberg Community Centre by three suspects. One suspect restrained the victim as the second searched his person. A third suspect brandished a knife. Cell-phone demanded but nothing taken.

November 3 at 1:55am Flannery Drive/Springland Drive: lone male victim approached by a lone male who produced handgun and demanded the victim’s cell-phone. A second male accompanied the suspect in the periphery. Cell-phone taken.

November 13 at 7:45pm Uplands Drive/Hunt Club Road: female victim waiting at a bus stop when approached by a lone male who produced a handgun. Cellular phone and purse taken.

Descriptions have been limited and have varied but suspects are generally described as being black males ranging in ages from 16-22 year old.

In the October 31 incident at Uplands Drive/Hunt Club Road, one suspect was described as being a Caucasian male. In the first October 31 incident, the male was seen to be wearing two large diamond stud earrings.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Ottawa Police Robbery Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5116 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS) or toll free at 1-800-222-8477.