The University of Minnesota Police Department is stepping up its forces in response to a spate of robberies around campus.

Minneapolis, Metro Transit and University police are working overtime or adjusting schedules to up patrols this week, Lt. Dave Wilske said. The extra officers will patrol campus and surrounding neighborhoods looking for suspects in several robberies in which groups of men allegedly stole wallets and cell phones, often injuring victims.

Wilske said the average person visiting Dinkytown won’t likely notice the increased surveillance because many of the officers are in plain clothes or unmarked cars.

Metro Transit police officers will be patrolling the area on foot, in cars and on buses because one of the reported robberies occurred on a bus near campus, Metro Transit spokesman John Siqveland said.

University police add officers after spikes in crime several times a year and frequently partner with Minneapolis police, Wilske said. Partnerships with Metro Transit will likely increase as the Green Line light rail opens on campus, he said.

Extra patrols will continue as needed after this weekend, Wilske said.