31 January 2013
Hamilton Police investigating an attempted Robbery of a 49 year old female hospital worker overnight are urging two men in the vicinity of the attack to do the right thing and come forward.
Detective William Loughrin of the Hamilton CIB said three men approached the woman as she left work and walked to her car which was parked in a car park adjacent to Waikato Hospital's helipad shortly after midnight.
"One of the trio, described as male Maori male, fat build and aged 16-17-years-old has been identified as the principal offender who accosted the woman and demanded she give him her handbag.
"Our victim has refused initially but has then dropped her bag as a distraction allowing her to make it to her car and lock herself in it where she then began hitting her horn to draw attention to the attack."
Mr Loughrin said initially the two other offenders were egging their friend on but when the woman began activating their horn the pair fled leaving the larger male there who continued to threaten the woman as she started her car.
"Obviously this is a stressful experience for our victim who it would be fair to say, was terrified by her ordeal.
"We would ask that anyone who witnessed this event take place or who may have information on the identities of the attacker to come forward. But more importantly, we're asking that the two males initially involved in the incident to come forward and make contact with Police"
And it's not just Police concerned about this morning's attack with Waikato District Health Board Chief Executive, Craig Climo, also expressing his concerns.
"Any incidents of this nature are concerning and we urge the public and other staff members who may have seen or heard something to come forward.
"We have systems in place to ensure staff working shift work have an expectation of safety. My thanks go to the police and to our security staff for their quick response and I would ask anyone with any information to make it available to investigators."
Anyone who witnessed the attack or has information on the offenders' identity is asked to contact Mr Loughrin at the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 834 9413 or 027 704 8589.
Alternatively information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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