Two women were assaulted and robbed in separate late night incidents as they walked home alone in the central city during the weekend.
Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Perry, Wellington CIB, said the assaults are a concern. Police do not believe they are committed by the same offender.
The first assault happened between 3 and 3.30am on Saturday, 2 February, when a woman was assaulted in Dixon Street, in the zig zag pedestrian only pathway which runs between Dixon and Percival Streets.
Detective Senior Sergeant Perry said the 31-year-old woman had been walking home after attending the NZI Sevens and some central city nightspots when she was attacked.
She required medical treatment for a broken jaw and was robbed of her bright electric blue coloured bag, a pink Sony Ericsson cellphone, a Sony Cybershot camera, keys and personal papers. The woman had a black and white feathered masquerade mask as part of her costume to the Sevens and this mask was taken during the assault.
Police believe a slimly built man with short hair and a white shirt might be able to help with inquiries.
The second assault and robbery happened at 2.34am on Saturday, 3 February, when a 25-year-old woman was attacked as she walked home along The Terrace, near Abel Smith Street.
"She was very determined and put up a valiant struggle during which she ripped the offender's pants," Detective Senior Sergeant Perry said. "The woman chased the offender down The Terrace and into Oak Park Avenue where she lost sight of him," Detective Senior Sergeant Perry said.
"Some neighbours heard the woman yelling 'get him' as the man ran past but they were unable to catch him."
The offender grabbed the woman's large black reversible handbag which has a light brown patterned lining. The handbag and contents, including a black sweater, zip up green shirt, light blue Nokia cellphone and red leather wallet and cards have not been found.
A police dog followed a track from Oak Park Avenue into Watson Street but lost the scent.
Detective Senior Sergeant Perry said the offender for this attack is described as:
• male with light brown skin • aged mid 30s • taller than 170cm • has a completely bald head • deep set dark eyes • was wearing dark trousers and a white dress shirt.
If anyone has any information about these two attacks, or has found any of the items belonging to the victims, please call Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Perry, Wellington CIB, on tel: 04 381 2000.
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