OXFORD, Ohio -- A campus alert was issued Tuesday at Miami University after another student was assaulted, Cincinnati television station WLWT reported.

A student was beaten and robbed by four unknown people in the middle of the night, making the incident the third in a little more than five weeks.

Most students were unaware of the latest attack as they headed home for the holiday break, which raises concern about how effective a campus-wide alert is.

Oxford police and campus police said violent crimes are few and far between in the area.

"I think sometimes that kind of lulls students and community members into a false sense of security," said Lt. Jason Willis, of Miami police.

Officials tried to spread the word in the new edition of the Miami Student and every student is sent an e-mail.

Some students recognize the danger of the recent unsolved rape, a burglary and the latest assault and mugging, WLWT reported.

"We never walk home alone now because these have all taken place on the weekends at night," said Meredith Reilly, a student. "The first two victim are females, so we're pretty scared and we try to stay together."

Police are emphasizing the need to buddy up, avoid unlit areas if possible and be aware that there are four people on campus who may be looking for another victim.