WASHINGTON -- Police are warning residents who live in the Mount Pleasant section of the District to use extra caution when approaching the front doors of their homes or apartment buildings.

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People Robbed In Mount Pleasant

That's because investigators say at least five armed robberies have been committed in that area of the D.C. in the last week, and they believe the robbers may be as young as 13 years old.

Investigators say the robbers are mobile. They drive around the Mt. Pleasant area in a dark colored sport utility vehicle or minivan until they spot a target, which is usually someone walking alone in the late night hours.

"They usually jump out and approach people as they're trying to get to their doorways and rob them at gunpoint, demanding their money and cell phones. Then they run back, jump in the car and take off," said D.C. police Insp. Diane Groomes.

The victims told police two men, who had their faces covered by their coat hoods, approached them and one of them had a gun. Investigators said they believe the robbers are young teenagers based on their height. Police said witnesses could not get a very good look at their faces.

Authorities said the robberies have occurred in a relatively small area of Mount Pleasant between 16th and 17th streets, along Park Road, Kenyon and Kilbourne streets.