THE man leading the hunt for Swindon's bag snatch robber has said it is highly likely the "unsophisticated thief" will strike again.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Rowles said he would draw no conclusions from the fact the robber has not struck since his last attack in Lawn Woods, Old Town, on Friday, May 3, the first break in an almost clockwork trend of attacks.

"It would be wrong to be confident and assume he will not strike again," said DS Rowles.

"He strikes on very easy prey and does it when there are plenty available to him. I don't regard it as sinister that no one has been robbed in the past few days.

"Perhaps he couldn't find anyone or for some reason he didn't need to attack.

"He could have been paid or received his benefit. There are a number of possibilities, but I would be surprised if he does not strike again another attack seems highly likely."

The so-called Swindon bike bandit has struck on consecutive days since his first attack on an 81-year-old woman in Windsor Road on April 25.

He has also attempted to snatch bags from pensioners walking along the canal footpath behind Tennyson Street, Verwood Road, Kingshill Road and Wolsely Avenue.

All his attacks have occurred in broad daylight.

A special unit has been assembled with the brief of catching the robber, who is described as white and wearing dark jeans, a dark anorak and riding a bike with a yellow saddle.

"It's gone quiet, but we want these attacks to stop for good and bring this man to justice," said DS Rowles.

"My team is following a number of leads and have had a good response from the public who have reported a number possible sightings.

"We need the public's support to catch this man and appeal to everyone to keep their eyes and ears to the ground. This continues to be a top priority for us and I remain confident we will find this man and bring him to justice."

Anyone with information should call police on Swindon 528111.