Police are warning TTC riders to be careful when they pull out their cellphones.

Officers in 42 Division are launching Project Rope, warning commuters to watch for grab-and-runs of cellphones and other handheld electrical devices.

Police say TTC riders are being targeted while exiting or waiting to board a bus. They say suspects are grabbing the device right out of victims’ hands, sometimes luring them into pulling out a phone by asking for the time.

“You have to be so diligent when looking after phones,” says Const. Gary Gomez. “We always tell people to be aware of their surroundings.”

Officers were riding TTC buses Monday night to provide riders with safety tips to protect their personal property and enhance their awareness of crime prevention.

Police say the campaign is not a response to any suspected increase of such incidents.