WATERLOO - Two muggings near residences on the University of Waterloo campus have prompted a police to warn students to be "cautious and observant" while walking at night.

One of the Easter weekend robberies was at gunpoint, while the other involved a physical attack. Both victims were male students. They were not injured.

On Sunday, university officials posted an alert to students on social media, school websites and by email about what happened and to appeal for information. The muggings are being investigated by both the university and Waterloo Regional Police.

"We want people to be aware this incidents have taken place, (that) they should take precautions when they walk around on campus," said Nick Manning, university spokesperson.

"We're lucky that we have a unique campus environment: we don't experience major crimes so serious particularly often," Manning said.

"We take this very seriously."

The school provides evening shuttle buses for students, both on and off campus. There are also emergency phones dotting the campus, with direct line to the university police office.

"It's too early to say if these two incidents will prompt any changes," Manning said.

The robberies happened at opposite ends of the sprawling campus:

•Friday about 11:15 p.m., a man was walking on a pathway near the Village One residence on the northwest side of the campus, near Columbia Street.

Three men with a gun approached him. They demanded money and his cellphone. The robbers took his jacket and cash. They left in a dark hatchback car, possibly a Mazda 5.

All suspects were described to police as black and in their late teens or early 20s.

One suspect was six feet tall, thin and 170 to 180 pounds. He was wearing a baseball hat, dark hoodie, black bomber style jacket and high top shoes.

Another suspect was, five-feet seven-inches to five-feet eight inches tall, 140 to 150 pounds with no facial hair. He was wearing a hoodie, light blue baggy jeans and beige Timberland boots.

The third suspect was five-feet nine-inches tall, 150 to 160 pounds. He was wearing a long sweater and shoes with white soles.

•Saturday about 9:50 p.m., a male student was walking near Beck Hall at 108 Seagram Dr., south of University Avenue, at the southeast edge of campus.

He was approached by two to four men who attacked him, regional police report. He didn't see a weapon. The assailants took a bag from him containing personal items and walked away.

All suspects were described to regional police has having dark skin, in their 20s, with average height and build. All were wearing dark clothing.

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

Anyone with information about the robberies can call regional police at 519-653-7700, ext. 6399 or UW Police at 519-888-4567 ext 22222.

Leave information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Or use the UW police reporting web page at uwaterloo.ca/police/anonymous-reporting-formuwaterloo.ca/police/anonymous-reporting-form