Hutt Valley Police have arrested a 29-year-old male in connection with a number of incidents in the Waiwhetu area overnight, 31 January 2013.
Police were called by an occupant of an address in Waiwhetu, who awoke to find an unknown male stroking her arm. Once confronted, the male left the address and was located a short time later by Police.
Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Cooper said today “We have identified two further incidents which we believe are also linked to this male earlier in the evening.”
“In one of these incidents a victim was punched in the face after answering the door to the intruder, this was followed soon after by a female occupant being accosted in her home.”
The male has been charged with two counts of burglary, two counts of indecent assault and common assault and is due to appear in the Lower Hutt District Court today. Further charges are likely.
Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Cooper further said "We also want to speak to anyone who may have seen the male in the Waiwhetu area during the night or may have had been victim to similar but unreported incidents.
"The male is described as Maori, approx 175cm tall, of medium build, and was wearing dark shorts and tee-shirt. He may have also been on a push bike.”
There have also been a number of night time burglaries in the Lower Hutt area over the past few weeks to homes and garages and Police would like to remind the community of securing their homes even over the warmer summer nights.
Anyone with any information should phone Lower Hutt Police on (04) 560 2600 or to provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
- Issued by Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Cooper, Hutt Valley Police.