POLICE are appealing for students to be on their guard after a spate of mobile phone robberies in the Plungington area of Preston.

Three separate robberies occurred on Aqueduct Street and Plungington Road between 1.15am and 2.15am on Friday. Each involved students and their mobile phones.

Three men were involved -- two were white and one was Afro-Caribbean.

The University of Central Lancashire has around 30,000 students on its books this year and the National Union of Students represents most of them. Now the NUS have warned their members to look out for themselves.

The recent attacks all took place within 45 minutes of each other.

Now the town is busy with students again the police have been working to raise awareness of attacks.

Detective Inspector Tony Bolton of Preston police said: "We are appealing for people to be vigilant about using mobile phones in public and late at night. These incidents are very rare, but people need to be aware of the risks."

The NUS has advised students to follow a set of guidelines issued by the Home Office.

Verity Coyle, NUS vice president welfare officer, said: "Student houses will often have multiple goods that thieves look out for. It is vital they secure their house and contact their landlord if they are they unhappy with their current security measures."

The guidelines issued by the Home Office include:

Think ahead. Don't walk home alone late at night -- arrange in advance to stay with a friend, or pre-book a taxi;

Don't show off your cash, mobile phone or laptop, or leave them lying around. Never leave your bag, wallet or purse unattended and don't carry your chequebook and card together;

Make a list of your personal property including the serial number and descriptions. Use an ultra-violet pen to mark electrical and other items with your postcode and house number -- it not only makes it easier to trace stolen property, it also helps the police with evidence against thieves.