Police are investigating the possibility a serial sex attacker is targeting women in their homes.

News of the potential spate of attacks on females emerged at a Press conference yesterday, held to announce the latest batch of Police crime statistics.

This development, which has not been revealed to the public by Police before, was announced by Assistant Commissioner Carlton Adams.

A group representing sexual assault victims said the Police approach could be counter-productive, with the lack of detailed information preventing people contacting officers with vital clues on any suspect.

Mr. Adams, who was discussing details of the third quarter crime figures, said there had been 12 reports of sexual assault between July and September.

And he confirmed that officers were in the process of trying to catch a man they believe may be responsible for half these incidents.

He said the six cases appeared to follow a similar pattern.

Pressed on why the information had not been released to the media earlier, he said he believed the cases had been reported on an individual basis, although the potential link had not been revealed.

Police refused to give more details on the cases as the investigation was ongoing.

A Police spokesman would not confirm where on the Island the six incidents had been reported, but said they had taken place in ?various locations?.

Penny Dill, executive director of the Women?s Resource Centre, said Police had to give as much information as possible about the incidents.

She said it was the first she had heard about a potential link.

?I think if they had a description it would help,? she added. ?It would also be helpful to know what time of day these things are happening, so if people see something strange in their area they are more alert.?

She urged women to contact Police immediately with any concerns and called on women living alone to remain vigilant, lock doors and close windows.