WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. -- Police have identified a Thornton man as the suspect in at least 30 purse snatch robberies in the metro area since January.

Wheat Ridge Police said that Richard Cress preys on women at gas stations. His method of operation is to pull next to a woman pumping gas and then open the passenger side door of the victim's vehicle while she is facing the gas pump. He then reaches in and grabs the victim's purse from the front seat and drives away, according to police.

Authorities believe Cress has changed vehicles several times over the course of the last two months. Police say Cress was most recently reported driving a dark colored Subaru Forester.

In January, Cress was reportedly driving a dark colored Jeep Wrangler with a light top, police said. That vehicle was stolen and recovered by Greenwood Village police. Later witness accounts reported the suspect was driving either a silver Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, a green full size van or a Chevrolet Envoy of unknown color.

Five of the six thefts in Wheat Ridge involved women between 70 and 95 years of age.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Cress.

Anyone who has been in contact with Cress or knows of his whereabouts is asked to call the Wheat Ridge Police Department tip line at 303-235-2947.