PLAINFIELD, Ind. -- Police are stepping up the heat in their search for a man they say was involved in a series of recent crimes.

Jason Currens, 37, recently robbed a Circle S gas station on U.S. 40 near downtown Plainfield and used a hammer to threaten a store clerk before taking off with cash, police said.

"He's definitely a threat to the community. We don't want him to commit any more property crimes," said Plainfield police Lt. Jill Lees. "We don't want anyone injured, any personal or violent crimes committed by him. We're trying to prevent that."

A homeowner told 6News' Rick Hightower that Currens recently stole all of her credit cards and cash and fled.

Police said he then went down the street and threatened an 85-year-old woman, bursting into her home with a hammer and robbing her of cash, jewelry and other items.

"I'd say he's a dangerous person," said resident Jon Hammond. "We don't have a whole lot of crime here."

Currens was also involved in cases of forgery, fraud and other offenses, police said. He is about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs about 185 pounds. He has several tattoos on his arms and torso.

Police think Currens might still be in the area. They asked anyone with information to call 317-838-3565.