TORONTO – Some west-end Toronto residents are terrified that a sexual predator preying on local elderly women is getting bolder and escalating his attacks.

Residents of south Etobicoke are angry that six homes just blocks apart were broken into early Tuesday and a 91-year-old woman inside one sexually assaulted.

The elderly victim, who is wheelchair-bound, managed to alert authorities with her Lifeline health-care system.

Neighbours said the widow is "traumatized" by the attack.

Marcia Macaulay, a long-time area resident, said the suspect, who wears a disguise, is becoming more daring.

"I am scared," Macaulay said on Wednesday. "Six incidents in five hours are a little to much."

She has stopped going out or walking at night due to safety concerns.

"People are terrified," Terry Therrann said. "These incidents are happening way too fast with six in one night."

She said the assaults against the elderly is on top of everybody's mind.

Therrann said some residents are purchasing alarm systems or obtaining security services.

A number of security firms were visible in some areas on Wednesday as officers checked on seniors and alarms.

The 91-year-old is the third senior in a week to be assaulted by a suspect who's been prowling the area.

The man is sought for two other assaults following break-ins, in which a 70- and 62-year-old women were allegedly fondled.

A 49-year-old woman watched and called police as the suspect tried to enter her home.

Resident John Bochnewicz, 64, said last Tuesday his neighbour came downstairs to find a man in her kitchen.

"She screamed and he took off," Bochnewicz said. "The women here are up in arms about this guy."

Police have released a blurry image of a suspect who is described as being 20- to 25-years-old with a tan complexion and a thin build. He was last seen wearing dark-coloured clothing and a covering to obscure his identity.