CHESAPEAKE -- A woman walking her dog and two delivery drivers are among nine people who've been robbed since early December in residential areas of Greenbrier.

"We think they may be related," said Officer Dorienne Boykin, who said the crimes occurred between December 8, 2008 and January 5, 2009 - some of them in the Heather Point Condos.

Each robbery has occurred at night and the victims have been just been getting out of their vehicles or approaching homes. In some cases, a suspect had a gun; in others, a weapon was implied, Boykin noted.

Two robberies had three suspects; three had two suspects and the rest were committed by one suspect.  The suspects are between 18 and 25 years old and all wore dark clothing, according to investigators.

The suspects got away with cash, purses and personal items.

If you know anything about these robberies, call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS FROM CHESAPEAKE POLICE:

Be aware of your surroundings. Have your keys in your hand and ready. Be sure you have set your interior light to come on when you open the door to your vehicle.

Park in a well-lighted areas. Never park between large vehicles, such as a van, which can hide you from public view.

Don't carry cash or carry only a minimum amount. Remember, credit cards and checks can be canceled and tracked if stolen.

Use pockets rather than a purse to keep your hands free and discourage purse snatchings.