Footage of masked creep’s crime spree
Footage has been revealed showing the subject of a police hunt in Sydney’s northwest after a string of violent attacks and thefts.
Police have stepped up patrols in the area, as officers search for the masked man who is accused of targeting women in the crime spree.
Police were alerted to a man trespassing on a number of properties in the Northmead area about 4.30am on Wednesday.
Shortly after 5am, the same man allegedly stole a white Mitsubishi Outlander SUV from a petrol station on Windsor Rd as an unsuspecting 37-year-old man paid for his fuel.
About 10 minutes later, the man approached a 47-year-old woman as she walked alone along Mons Rd.
Police allege the man stole her handbag and fled after the woman tripped as she attempted to get away.
About 30 minutes later, another woman was targeted as she walked along Junia Ave in Toongabbie.
The man once again allegedly tried to steal her bag before allegedly brandishing a knife after a brief struggle.
Soon after, the man allegedly struck a third woman with a hammer as she walked along North Rocks Rd in North Parramatta.
The 27-year-old woman handed the man her purse and phone before running to a nearby shopping centre car park as the man fled the scene in the SUV.
Two male relatives of the woman were able to track her mobile phone and found the alleged offender at a nearby home.
Police allege the attacker approached the pair’s car before smashing the windscreen with a hammer and sparking a physical altercation with one of the men.
The alleged offender ran from the scene.
Police later found the SUV nearby and it has since been seized for forensic examination.
A major search operation was quickly launched, with Polair, the dog unit called in to help find the man but police were unable to locate him.
The man is described as being of medium build, in his 20s, wearing a black beanie, black balaclava, a black Nike hoodie, black long pants, black gloves, and black shoes.
Police are also investigating whether the man is responsible for break-ins at several other homes two days prior.
Police confirmed there were no reports of any person being seriously injured.
Police said members of the public should not approach the man if he is spotted and should contact Triple-zero immediately instead.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Paramatta Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.