Hunt for pin-stripe bandit widens after more armed robberies in Melbourne's north The bandit in his pin-stripe suit. AN ARMED robber who wore a business suit as he held up retailers in Melbourne's north this month is wanted for further robberies. Trading his pin-stripe suit for tracksuit pants, the thief tried to commit three robberies on April 10, just nine days after the initial spate of thefts. The thief, allegedly from New South Wales, caused serious injuries to a 26-year-old man when he beat him in the head numerous times and robbed him with an unknown weapon in Dundas St, Preston, at 1.30pm. The 26-year-old was a student who was on his lunch break outside a Preston bakery where he worked part-time. Police said the attacker made violent threats to the student before stealing his keys and smashing his phone on the ground. Just 90 minutes later he unsuccessfully tried to rob a Tattslotto outlet in Carlton North, demanding cash from a 47-year-old man at the counter. The victim, whose 13-year-old daughter was with him, was unable to comply with his demands for cash and the would-be robber fled. Moments later he crossed the road and produced a knife to rob a pharmacy, where a mother and child were nearby. On April 1, the man robbed a Carlton North bottle shop and 10 minutes later he robbed a newsagency with a knife in Brunswick East, stealing cash and cigarettes. Sgt Troy Andrews said the robber is becoming more confident and has less concern for who is around. "He is confident in offending and far more frantic, aggressive and desperate," Sgt Andrews said. All victims involved have had a real concern for their lives. He is becoming less concerned with who is around and who sees him commit these crimes. The level of violence and his erratic nature is a real concern. He is aware that police are looking for him and we believe he has fled to New South Wales. Mr Andrew said the robber may have travelled to Melbourne to carry out the attacks from NSW. The man is of a Middle Eastern appearance, aged in his late 20s to early 30s and 175cm tall, with an olive complexion and a shaved head. He is said to have a distinctive tattoo on the right side of his neck of two lines of cursive text that says: "My only friend is my misery." The man was wearing a black hooded jumper and tracksuit pants during the latest robberies and a pin-stripe suit on April 1. Police believe the man may be from Sydney and may have travelled back to the area. Detectives are calling on anyone who witnessed these incidents or recognises the man to come forward. Anyone with any information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au