Pittsburgh Police are investigating several reports of sexual assaults on the city's North Side that investigators say could be connected with a potential repeat offender. 

Police issued an alert Wednesday night to inform the community about the series of reported assaults.

Police say the incidents have occurred on the North Side during what they called "early morning hours." No specific details were provided about where on the North Side the assaults took place. Police said the suspect was driving a white pickup truck. 

Police say that investigators believe the man may be a potential repeat offender. On Friday morning, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police said investigators identified a "person of interest."

People in the area of the North Side are being urged by police to take extra precautions by traveling in groups when possible, staying alert while out in public, and reporting anything suspicious by calling 911.

Anyone with information about incidents like the ones police have described is asked to contact the police bureau's Special Victims Unit at 412-323-7800.

Pittsburgh police increase patrols after reported sexual assaults

Police say officers will be increasing patrols in the North Side communities and dedicating extra resources to investigating the potential string of assaults.

"Our priority is the safety of the community, and we are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend the suspect," police said. 

Residents told KDKA they are concerned by both the crimes and the lack of awareness.

"It's terrible and awful and scary, unfortunately, all too normalized," said Olivia Horner, who lives in the Northside.

"What really crossed my mind is that it's not being talked about enough," said Susie Balcom, another resident. "That was my colleague's concern that it wasn't getting passed on to the right people who need to know."

In response, law enforcement has stepped up patrols across the neighborhood. But many residents told KDKA they hadn't heard about the recent incidents until we brought it to their attention.

"To be honest, it doesn't really change how I feel around here because I know how to protect myself," said CCAC student Tyeric Worsham.

Others say the word is starting to spread through community groups, but overall, they feel safe and are staying cautious.

"I have my phone with me the whole time. My friends and family have my location," said Horner. "Always telling someone where you're going, I think that's really important."

"Just staying aware and if you see something and something doesn't feel right, turn around and walk away or find someone who does feel safe," added Balcom.

Whether you live, work, or are just visiting the Northside, police are urging everyone to be cautious and report anything suspicious immediately.