VISTA -- Four young men stole portable music players and cell phones in two street robberies in Vista, authorities said Tuesday.

Sheriff's Lt. William Donahue said the robbers, who were in their 20s, claimed to have a handgun during the Monday night thefts. However, the victims didn't see any weapons, the lieutenant said.

The robbers stole two iPods and a cell phone about 7:30 p.m. from three young men, ages 17 to 18, who were sitting on a truck tailgate at East Vista Way and Main Street, said Donahue.

"One of the victims was struck," the lieutenant said.

A quarter mile away, he said, the thieves confronted an 18-year-old man at Eucalyptus and South Citrus avenues. Donahue said they stole that victim's iPod, cell phone and wallet.

Deputies searched the area, but couldn't find the robbers.