A Penn State student was punched and kicked by a group of people outside a friend's apartment in Cedarbrook Apartments, 309 E. Beaver Ave, police said.

Another student was attacked by two men outside his apartment complex at 219 Waupelani Drive, police said.

A third student had her purse grabbed as she walked down Hiester Street, police said.

And that was just Saturday morning.

The State College Police Department said the incidents were unrelated. However, they are the latest in a string of robberies and attacks over the last month that has some Penn State students concerned about safety in State College.

Last Wednesday, a woman was shot in the face in her Toftrees Avenue apartment, police said. A Penn State student was beaten with metal rods Feb. 5 after refusing to give his wallet to three unknown men, police said. Earlier this month, two unlocked Beaver Hill apartments were burglarized, police said. Apartments in the Graduate apartment complex and in Beaver Hill were also burglarized late last month, police said.

"It seems like it's kind of hitting closer to where I live this year," said Ben Thomas (junior-education), who lives near Beaver Hill apartments. Thomas said he checks his door before he goes to bed and usually walks with someone else.

However, he said he still feels "pretty safe" downtown.

Lt. Dana Leonard said the recent crime is "nothing unusual."

"We get these spikes and every time in the past, things have settled down afterward," he said. "Centre County generally does not see a high degree of street crime, mostly proprietary crimes, alcohol-fueled offenses and assaults."

He added: "If there were common denominators the public needed to be aware of, we would certainly distribute that information."

Lindsay Saldutti (junior-broadcast journalism) said she is being more careful and locking her door "all the time."

"It's a little scary," she said. "We're definitely taking more precautions."

Tyler Bloom (sophomore-turf grass science) said he thought more security should be provided.

"I think the university, the apartments and the community should step up," he said.

"People need to [be] a lot smarter. You can't go with the attitude that it can't happen to me."

Anna Kim (junior-life sciences) said more lights should be installed.

"It's so dark here, people think they can get away with things," she said.

However, Laura Ormsby (junior-public relations) said she thinks State College is well lit and has no problem walking by herself.

Ashley Mutt (freshman-psychology) said State College still feels "a lot" safer than her home, Philadelphia.

Cathy Dauler, State College Borough Council president, said the council had not formally discussed the recent incidents but council members were concerned about it.

"I think it's troubling," she said. "I think other members of council feel the same way."

Penn State University police supervisor Jason Zajac said university police had not taken any specific actions regarding the incidents, but they always had the maximum amount of officers out on patrol and have shared information with State College police.

Collegian Staff Writer Halle Stockton contributed to this report.