Police are renewing their appeal to identify a young man who has continued to indecently assault women in Whakatane town centre.
A media appeal was initiated after two women were indecently assaulted in the town centre on the afternoon of 16 March in Boon Street and Canning Place.
This week, Police received a report of a further indecent assault at approximately 3pm on Monday, 6 April in Commerce Street.
All three victims of these assaults have described an offender with a distinctive stretcher ear piercing. He is believed to be European, 14 to 16 years old with solid build and brown hair. On one occasion he was wearing a cone stretch earring and more recently a pink and black stretch earring.
Detective Sergeant Darren Thomas said: “There is a possibility that there are other offences that have gone unreported, and the number and pattern of offences would suggest that this young man is living locally and someone must recognise him; particularly given the ear piercing.
“His actions are not just inappropriate antics; they are indecent assaults that can impact on women’s feeling of safety. We need to identify this young man and put a stop to his behaviour before he offends again.”
If you know who this young man is, or have any information that might assist this investigation, contact Whakatane Police on 07 308 5255. All information will be treated in confidence. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.