Please attribute to Detective Inspector Scott Beard, Auckland City Police.
Auckland Police are appealing to the public for anyone who has found a discarded black Oroton handbag or items of clothing which are believed to be linked to the kidnapping of an 11-day-old baby.
Police have learned that the stolen property and other items of interest were discarded from a vehicle somewhere between Epsom, Mt Wellington and Mangere Mountain during the course of Wednesday morning (9 August 2017) - the exact time and place is not known.
The handbag is described as a rectangular shaped, black Oroton handbag with a silver clip and black strap. It contained a chocolate coloured wallet with a brown and beige Louis Vuitton pattern, bank cards, keys and red Chinese envelope containing some cash.
The items of clothing Police are looking for are described as grey and white Nike shoes with black laces, black trousers/track pants with zip side pockets, black jacket with light coloured fabric inside the hood and a black beanie with eye cut outs.
The baby was kidnapped from Epsom on Wednesday morning and a large team of Police worked diligently to locate her by 1.30pm that afternoon.
The handbag and items of clothing are key pieces of evidence which are vital in the investigation of a very serious crime.
Police urge anyone who may have picked up the handbag or clothing or has any information to call Auckland Crime Squad on (09) 302 6557.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police have already arrested two woman in relation to the kidnapping, who appeared in the Auckland District Court yesterday.
ENDS
Monique Caddy/NZ Police