North Shore Police are investigating several incidents where women in Sunnynook and Forrest Hill have been indecently assaulted by male youths.
Detective Kylie McIvor says on Thursday 10th April 2008 at about 8:50pm a 22 year old woman was at her home address in the suburb of Forrest Hill.
"An Asian male aged approximately 15 years knocked on her door asking for directions to a walkway. The teenager gave her a plausible story about having only arrived in NZ a week earlier."
"He asked her to show him where the nearby walkway was. The woman left her house and together with the teenager they walked in Bond Crescent to Altona Road."
"As she continued up the walkway on Altona Rd the youth has attacked her from behind and grabbed her breast. She has successfully fended him off and has then managed to walk away. The offender has continued up the walkway towards Forrest Hill Road."
"This male is described as being between 14-17 yrs old, Asian, longish straight black hair and about 5ft 6in (165cm) tall. He was wearing a purple tee- shirt, shorts and shoes.
"Two similar incidents have occurred in the area since the beginning of the year. In mid January a 22 year old female jogger in Becroft Drive was approached by one of two Asian teenage boys who had previously been in Becroft Park. One of the youths ran up to the victim and grabbed her breasts before running off."
"The second incident happened on Tuesday 11 March 2008 at approximately 8pm. On this occasion the 20 year old female victim was walking on Becroft Dr when she noticed an Asian male was following her. The offender chased her after she began running onto Sunnynook Road. He stopped when she reached a well lit area at the Sunnynook Community Centre. This male was last seen by the victim walking up Sunnynook Rd in the direction of Blakeborough Drive."
"These were premeditated and unprovoked attacks. They have caused the victims a great deal of distress. They are all recovering from their ordeal. We will catch the offender or offenders involved," Detective McIvor said.
Police wish to hear from anyone who may have had similar experiences in the past few weeks. Anyone with information can call Detective Kylie McIvor of North Shore Police on her DDI 477-5010 or txt their information to 027 2727 669
ENDS;
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
District Communications Manager / Media Advisor
Waitemata Police District
Phone 09 488 9758 - Extn 96308 - Mobile 027 281 0271
Email - kevin.loughlin@police.govt.nz