The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) is investigating two Belmont Shore muggings, which they believe may be related to each other.

The first incident occurred on December 14 at about 9:50PM when a couple was walking in the area of First Street and Covina Avenue, police said.

While they were walking, the couple was approached by three male Hispanic suspects who demanded their property.

The LBPD said that the victims handed over their property, which included a cell phone and other personal items, to the suspects, whose faces were concealed.

The suspects fled in a nearby dark colored four-door vehicle with tinted windows, heading westbound on Ocean Boulevard.

That same night, at about 10:10PM, a woman was mugged while walking in the area of Division Street and Quincy Avenue, police said.

Three men wearing ski masks approached the woman and demanded her property. Fearing injury, the woman handed her cellphone over to the suspects.

The suspects then entered a nearby car with a similar description to the first; a dark-colored four-door with tinted windows, which was also last seen headed westbound on Ocean Boulevard.

No victims were hurt in either incident, police said.

Police believe these incidents are related based on the time, proximity and the similarity of the crimes.

Anyone who may have information regarding this ongoing investigation should contact Long Beach Police Robbery Detective Nancy Mora at (562) 570-7464. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), texting TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.