SOUTH BEND, Ind. - In a span of less than 48 hours, South Bend Police responded to seven different robberies across South Bend over the weekend. Because of this, officers are reminding residents to stay vigilant to prevent a robbery from happening to them.

Despite arrests and a heightened police presence, several cases remain open.

To help ensure your own protection and deter future crimes, SBPD suggests these steps as safety precautions:

• Always be aware of your surroundings--especially if you are using headphones and/or a smartphone--and check vehicles before travel
• Avoid walking and parking in areas with poor lighting
• Use locations like the area outside the South Bend Police department to complete sale transactions made over the internet/social media
• Strength in numbers--avoid walking alone whenever possible
• Always keep your car doors locked, even when you are a passenger
• Keep your location information active on your smartphone and/or smartwatch
• Trust your gut and leave any area quickly and calmly when something doesn't feel right

Contact the South Bend Police Department at 574-235-9201 for any suspicious activity. It is better to be safe than sorry.