Several armed robberies over weekend

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Police in Springfield and surrounding communities are on the lookout for several robbers involved in a number of crimes over the weekend.

Thieves and robbers got away with cash and drugs in four separate incidents over the weekend, and most of them used a weapon to commit their crimes.

“It's been happening over and over again. It's definitely getting out of hand,” said Ali Williams of Springfield.

Robbers cleaned out The Bank of America ATM on Cottage Street in Springfield early Sunday morning. They ripped the surveillance camera off the ceiling and took all the cash, leaving few traces behind. Just the evening before, at the Sumner Avenue Walgreens, a man with a silver handgun stole hundreds of oxycontin pills from the pharmacy. One Springfield man told 22News it's getting out of control.

• Residents on edge after robbery

“It's getting to the point where Springfield can't handle it. One of my fraternity brothers was jumped and robbed down off of State Street by AIC,” Williams added.

• College Crime Reports

It's not just Springfield - a woman in Chicopee was repeatedly hit with the blunt end of a hatchet by a man trying to rob the Dugout Cafe Friday.

• Manhunt underway in Chicopee
• Chicopee police investigating after woman assaulted

In Longmeadow, this man is suspected of robbing the Hampden bank branch Friday afternoon. A woman told 22News she takes precautions.

• Police looking for Longmeadow bank robber

“When I'm out at night I make sure I'm not by myself. If I'm going to an ATM, I always have a friend with me. I keep my purse in front and I take my money out in front of me so I don't have anybody watching me,” said Anita Fonseci.

Police urge people to stay alert not just when they're out, also when they're online.

“Keep an eye on your statements. Know where your money is going. You have to watch out for identity theft. Make sure they can't get at your information,” said Chicopee police Lt. Mark Gilbert.

In a tough economy, home and car break-ins happen more often. Always lock your house and your car doors, and keep valuables away from windows... which should also be locked.