Bloomfield police are searching for a suspect involved in three purse snatchings, all occurring within one hour Monday night.

The suspect targeted women in the Dunkin Donuts, Stop & Shop and Shop Rite parking lots around town, according to Lt. Richard Wallace.

At 5 p.m., a man driving a dark blue SUV leaned out the driver-side window and forcibly took a woman's purse as she was exiting Dunkin Donuts at 135 Bloomfield Ave. The purse's contents included several credit cards, about $15 in cash and the victim's driver's license.

Forty minutes later, the suspect attempted to rob a woman in the same fashion in the Stop & Shop parking lot at 8 Franklin St.

"The victim held onto the pocketbook and (the suspect) was unable to get it and continued driving," Wallace said.

The suspect then targeted a woman putting groceries into the trunk of her car at the Brookdale Shop Rite at 6:05 p.m.

"The SUV pulled up and the suspect grabbed her pocketbook and fled," said Wallace.

The victim's purse contained an unknown amount of cash, credit cards and a cell phone.

The suspect is described as being a heavy-set, light-skinned Hispanic or black male. One victim said the suspect was wearing glasses at the time of the incident.

Wallace said Bloomfield police officers are searching for a 2005 dark blue Hyundai Santa Fe with gray trim.

"We've stepped up our patrol and have alerts out with the description (of the suspect)," said Wallace. "We're pretty sure that is the vehicle we're looking for. Our detectives are working on it."

The Bloomfield Police Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed these crimes to call 973-680-4084 with any information.