Police are appealing for witnesses and asking for the public to be vigilant, after a number of robberies in the past three months.

Detectives are investigating what they believe to be a series of six robberies in Croham and Waddon, between September 6 and November 21, where they victim has been a woman in their 20s or 30s.

In each case, the suspect is believed to have followed the victim to their home address before stealing or attempting to steal their handbag as they are unlocking their door.

The first offence occurred on September 6, in South Park Hill Road, at around 9.30pm.

The second attack happened on September 18, in Lawdons Garden, at 3.15am and a third attack happened September 24, in Birch End Close, at 12.40am.

Ten days later a robbery took place in Birdhurst Rise at midnight and on November 10, there was a second attack on the same road at 8.50pm.

The sixth attack happened on November 21, in Upland Road at 9.35pm.

The suspect is described as a lone male, of slim, muscular build, with a covered face, wearing dark clothing and between 5ft 10ins and 6ft tall.

A male in his teens was arrested on November 4 in connection with the initial three offences and has since been re-arrested on November 30 in connection with the offences during November.

He has been bailed to return to a south London police station in January 2012 pending further enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Simon French, from Croydon's Robbery Squad: "We are keen for any witnesses to come forward and assist us with out investigations- if you've seen anybody in the Croham or Waddon area acting suspiciously over the past few weeks, then please get in touch.

"Our advice to anyone travelling home alone late at night- be it from Christmas parties, shopping or work is to be vigilant, keep your valuables out of sight and if you do see anybody acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, then call 999 immediately."

Officers have been carrying out extra patrols in Croham and Waddon and will continue to do so.

They are also speaking to people in the area giving them crime prevention advice about robbery and personal theft.

Anyone who may have witnessed any of these incidents, or seen somebody acting suspiciously in the area to contact them on 0208 649 1334 or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111