A man is suspected of robbing at least eight female victims since early December in the West and Northwest Sides, police said tonight in a community alert.



Grand Central Area detectives said the lone man approaches female victims on the sidewalk and robs them of their purses, money and

cell phones.



Most of the attacks have taken place in the late evening or early morning in the following locations:



--3100 block of West Fullerton Avenue – Dec. 4, 5:20 a.m.

--1800 block of North California Avenue – Dec. 17, 6 a.m.

--1700 block of North Central Park Avenue – Dec. 21, 6:15 a.m.

--1900 block of North Western Avenue – Dec. 22, 11 p.m.

--2100 block of North California Avenue – Dec. 24, 7 a.m.

--2000 block of North Kimball Avenue – Dec. 31, 11 p.m.

--1500 block of North Hoyne Avenue – Jan. 3, 3 a.m.

--1700 block of West Wabansia Avenue – Jan. 4, 4 p.m.



Police said they believe the same man is responsible for the robberies, although victims have given a range of descriptions when recounting the attacks.



According to the community alert, the suspect has been described as a black man 18 to 39 years, 5-foot-8 to 6-foot-6 and 150 to 180 pounds, In two of the attacks, the robber was described as having dreadlocks, and he has been described as wearing a gray or brown hooded sweatshirt, or a black puffy coat.



Anyone with information is asked to call Grand Central detectives at 312-746-8362.



chicagobreaking@tribune.com