Several cars near the University of Minnesota campus were broken into late Friday night and early Saturday morning, according to Minneapolis police reports.

None of the cars appeared to be locked, the reports said. The group of suspects seemed to be walking around the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood checking for open vehicles.

Only one of the victims — a University of Minnesota Duluth student — is affiliated with the University.

The Minneapolis Police Department’s 2nd Precinct, which includes the University of Minnesota and its surrounding neighborhoods, has seen 210 thefts from motor vehicles this year, according to police data. That’s up from 193 thefts over the same period last year.

“The people who do this for a living,” said Minneapolis police Sgt. Bill Palmer, “are going to be looking for cars with something in them.”

Palmer said the best way to avoid theft from your car is to make sure to keep your valuables — “a gold mine” for thieves — out of sight.

Robbery on University Avenue

Three men took a University student’s cellphone early Saturday morning, ripping it out of his hand, Palmer said.

Minneapolis police arrived to find the victim’s friend injured, according to the police report. Palmer said the friend, who is unaffiliated with the University, refused medical treatment and was uncooperative with police.

Palmer added that alcohol was involved in the incident.

“You’re less likely to be victimized if you’re aware of your surroundings,” he said.

Disorderly conduct

A man was cited for disorderly conduct early Sunday morning outside Maxwell’s Café and Grill on 4th Street Southeast, according to a Minneapolis police report.

The man was involved in a large fight inside the restaurant. Palmer said tables and chairs were broken and several people sustained minor injuries.

Police broke up the fight, but arrested the suspect after he continued yelling and arguing with others in the middle of the street, Palmer said.