Police are appealing for information after a spate of handbag thefts in Mole Valley over the past week.
The thefts take place when the offender spots a handbag on the seat of the vehicle and opens the door, usually when the victim is still in the car and has either stopped or is moving at low speed.
It is believed around six incidents have taken place since Monday last week with the majority of them taking place this weekend.
The incidents have all taken place between 5pm and 9pm and the victims have included women aged between 18 and 74-years-old.
The areas where these incidents have taken place include the car park on Guildford Road in Fetcham, Dorking Road in Dorking and Spook Hill, North Holmwood.
The car parks in Woodfield Lane, Ashtead, and Lower Road, Bookham, as well as London Road in Dorking have also been targetted.
Detective Sergeant Oana King from Epsom CID, said: "Each one of these thefts has left the victim understandably shaken and detectives are working closely with local officers in the area to find the person responsible and bring them to justice as this behaviour simply will not be tolerated.
"I would urge people to take sensible precautions such as locking your car doors and keeping valuables including handbags out of sight and do not leave them on the passenger seat even when you are in the car."
Mole Valley Neighbourhood Sergeant Bert Dean, added: "Local officers are carrying out patrols in the affected areas and those which could be potential targets to try and prevent any further incidents of this kind.
"I would urge anyone who has concerns around these incidents and would like to speak to a local officer to contact the Mole Valley Neighbourhood Team on 101."
The offender is described as a tall white man, of slim build, wearing dark clothing including a beanie hat and a black and a grey hooded top.
On each occasion he was seen acting suspiciously beforehand.
More information about keeping yourself and your property safe can be found by visiting www.surrey.police.uk.
Anyone who has information on these incidents or who believes this man has attempted to target them but has been unsuccessful is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference MV/13/704 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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