Deputies are looking for a man who robbed a 75-year-old woman just after 11 p.m. Thursday in front of her house on Amy Lane near Belleville.

According to St. Clair County Sheriff's Department reports, the woman arrived at her house and parked her car in the garage. When she took her garbage cans to the curb before heading into the house, she was confronted by a robber described as a black male about six feet tall with a medium build who grabbed her roughly from behind.

The victim screamed before being told to be quiet and "I don't want to hurt you. I just want all of your money."

The woman retrieved her purse from her car and handed the cash inside to the suspect who asked where the rest was. When she said she had no more, the robber told her to face the front of the garage and then fled on foot.

The suspect, whose face was not seen by the victim, was wearing all dark clothes and gloves. Deputies tried to locate the robber with a tracking dog but were unsuccessful. It is believed he escaped with $31 in cash.

"This type of crime is very unfortunate but seems to increase around the holidays," Sheriff's Department Capt. Steve Johnson said. "It is easy to become complacent, especially at your own house. Always be aware of your surroundings and look for things that are out of the ordinary," said Capt. Steve Johnson

Anyone who has any information is asked to call Investigator Jason Robertson at 277-3505 ext. 5718.