MEDIA RELEASE
WAIKATO POLICE DISTRICT
15 November 2007
Hamilton Police are investigating the abduction and sexual violation of a woman in the Central City around midnight on Wednesday 14 November 2007.
The circumstances are of significant concern as the victim was dragged from beside her car in Worley Place into a waiting van. The van was then driven to a remote alleyway nearby where the victim was then violated. She was dumped out of the van immediately after and was able to return to her car and alert Police.
The van had three male occupants at the time. The van is described as a grey van similar to a Ford Econovan or Mazda Bongo of the early to mid 90's era.
The van driver is described as Caucasian with curly hair, the front passenger was not able to be seen by the victim, but the rear passenger is described as Caucasian, in his 20's, clean shaven, about 180 cm tall, physically strong, wearing a beanie and dark clothing.
This incident suggests that there has been some planning by these offenders for the opportunity and this must have included the van spending an amount of time looking for the right opportunity to arise to be able to commit their crime.
Police want to hear from anyone who observed such a van in the central city, particularly in the Ward Street area, and access roads to and from Ward Street at around Midnight on Wednesday night.
The attack is not at this stage linked to Operation PHIL and while aspects of this attack are different to the Operation PHIL attacks, Police are working quickly to identify any possible links to the Operation PHIL offender through profiling and enquiry. Police will be keeping an open mind about the offenders and offending in this case.
This event is a sad but timely reminder for women to make sure they keep themselves safe as the festive season approaches.
Anyone who has information in relation to this incident can contact the Police at Hamilton 07 8586200.
END
Media queries for 15 November 2007:
Detective Senior Sergeant PAGE will be available to answer media queries between 3.45 pm and 4.30 pm only.
Contact via Hamilton Station 07 8586200.