DURHAM — Durham police are looking for a group of criminals using a disarming tactic to prey on their victims.

Ten times in the last month, Durham residents have been robbed at gunpoint, usually while heading from their cars to their front doors.

At that moment, with their arms full, the victims are caught when they're most vulnerable. Usually two or three people are in the group of perpetrators that is hitting apartment complexes all over Durham.

Durham police say they can't put an officer in every parking lot in every apartment complex.

"We are taking some measures which we won't divulge," Cpl. Fran Borden says.

Borden wants to send a two-fold message to residents. "We want to warn our residents that these incidents are occurring. Secondly, we want a line on these guys, because we want to make sure they're away for the next few Christmases," Borden says.

Durham police have no good descriptions of any of the suspects. They say most people have been looking at the gun instead of the suspects faces.

However, officers say the perpetrators are probably bragging about these crimes, given their success. They hope someone has heard the word and will come forward.

Anyone with information should contact the Durham Police Department.