Police are continuing the investigation into the home invasion in Harewood yesterday morning.
Formal interviews with the victims have now been completed and Police are working on a number of leads.
Police can confirm there were three people in the house at the time, not two as originally reported.
The three people are in their 60’s and have been through a very traumatic experience, although they have no physical injuries.
They were tied up for approximately three hours, and while they were not physically harmed, it was a terrifying time for them with the threat of violence present the whole time.
They are receiving support from Police, Victim Support and family members.
Police are appealing to the public for any sightings of the vehicle yesterday. It was taken from the Harewood address at 10.20am and was recovered late yesterday evening.
The vehicle was located in Casebrook, and is now being forensically examined.
“We believe money was the target in this crime as nothing else was taken other than the vehicle and no physical harm came to the victims,” says Detective Simon Keith.
“We are keeping an open mind about the motive for this crime and have a number of enquiries underway.
“I want to reassure the community that we are doing everything possible to catch this offender as we believe people have the right to feel safe in their own homes.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police with the information they have. Information can be reported to Christchurch Central Police Station, anonymously via Crimestoppers or by private message to the Canterbury District Facebook page.
“I urge the person who committed this crime to turn themselves in and anyone with any information to come forward,” says Mr Keith.
“Someone out there will know who did this. I ask you, come to us and tell us what you know. If you even suspect you might know who did this, do the right thing and tell us what you know.
“I know this crime will be frightening for many people, and I want to assure you that we are doing everything we can to catch this offender.
“Fortunately, attacks of this type are not common.
“The public can help us find this man by reporting any sightings of the vehicle to Police.”
The vehicle is:
- Silver Toyota Vitz (similar to the attached photograph)
- Year 2007
- Registration HFD599
The man is described as:
- Caucasian
- 30-40 years old
- 1.8 meters tall
- Solid build
Again, if you even suspect you know who this is, I urge you to come forward and help us solve this crime and bring some relief to these victims.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
