Women in Dunfermline have been urged to be vigilant after the third robbery from a lone female in a week.
A woman’s handbag was snatched as she walked in the town late on Tuesday night.
The 55-year-old was pushed to the ground on Bendachin Drive by a man who approached her from behind at around 10.20pm, then ran off towards Daviot Road.
Police believe the same person is responsible for all three crimes and are to conduct extra patrols and door-to-door inquiries over the next few days.
Officers are becoming increasingly concerned about the spate of incidents and have issued an appeal for information.
Detective Sergeant Karen Muirhead said: “This is the third robbery within the past week and we are taking this matter extremely seriously.
“We are appealing to speak to any person who may have seen this man in the area (on Tuesday) night at around 10pm, as it is possible he has been in the area for some time prior to the incident.
“This targeting of women is completely unacceptable.”
The first robbery occurred last Wednesday when a 33-year-old woman was attacked on Whitefield Road. A 27-year-old woman became the second victim on Sunday on Woodmill Road.
The suspect is described as white, between 20 and 30 and of medium build with mousy brown hair. He was wearing a two-tone blue top in the latest incident.
Police Scotland can be contacted by phoning 101.