NATCHEZ — Police are searching for three men who reportedly robbed a man outside The Natchez Democrat office early Wednesday morning.

Natchez Police Sgt. Jerry Ford said an employee of the newspaper was taking trash to a Dumpster behind the building at approximately 3:30 a.m. when three black men brandishing handguns approached him.

The suspects reportedly demanded money and took the victim’s wallet and cell phone before fleeing on foot in the direction of Maple Street.

Ford said police do not have any leads at the moment, but said police would increase patrols in the area.

Ford asked that anyone with information about the robbery contact Crime Stoppers at 601-442-5000.

Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $1,000 for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect.

Calls are anonymous.

Wednesday morning’s robbery follows four other robberies, all of which occurred at gas stations, in the past two weeks.