MEDIA RELEASE
WAIKATO POLICE DISTRICT
8 August 2007
MORE COMPLAINTS FOR OP PHIL TEAM
0800 NUMBER SET UP
The team of Detectives investigating the serial rape offending in Hamilton have received an additional complaint of a sexual attack for an incident prior to these last three offences.
Investigators are still sifting through the details to gain a better understanding of whether the offending is linked to the Operation PHIL offender. It is too early at this stage to say whether or not the case is related.
Detectives have also reactivated some unresolved historic sex complaints to reassess those cases in light of Operation PHIL. There are some aspects of those complaints that have similarities to the current investigation.
Police are encouraged by the positive response of the public to last week's media release. There is a vast amount of information provided for Detectives to sort through and categorise into a priority for investigators. Detectives are confident that the offender will be caught but remind people to stick with earlier advice of: • Make plans to get home and stick with them, • Stay with your friends and look after each other • Don't accept rides or offers of assistance from strangers.
As Detectives gain an understanding of this offender, it has become evident that it is likely that previously this offender has attempted to offend against women and failed, or, that some women may in fact have been the subject of a sexual attack but that these instances have not reported to the Police. These victims may hold crucial information and are encouraged to contact the Operation PHIL team.
An 0800 number has been set up to take the calls in relation to Operation PHIL. Public can contact the team on 0800 TOCATCH, (0800 862282)