Canterbury Police are investigating an allegation of an aggravated robbery of a man in Ashburton at approximately 9.15am yesterday morning, 22 January 2015. The man is understood to have parked his blue and silver Toyota Hilux truck in the Ashburton River Track parking area at the end of Trevors Road when he was approached by two Polynesian men who asked him for a smoke as he prepared to leave his truck to go on his training run. One man is reported to have hit him in the face knocking him to the ground where he was kicked in the ribs and stomped on.
The two men are understood to have taken his cell phone from him and removed $700 in cash from the victim’s wallet which was in his truck. They were last seen heading towards the Ashburton River bridge along the Ashburton River Track.
The victim had a large amount of money in his wallet as he was going to purchase products for his new business after his rugby training run. His cell phone was left behind in his truck after the alleged incident.
Constable Nathan Forbes from Ashburton Police said “The Ashburton River Track is regularly used by the community and we would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the yesterday at around the time of the incident as they may have seen something that could help with our inquiries. We believe this is an isolated incident and would like to reassure the Ashburton community that there is no need for alarm. We are also keen to hear about anyone who appears to have ‘come into some money’ or has more disposable cash than they usually do.”
One man is described as Polynesian, in his mid 20’s, average length scruffy hair, approximately 6 feet tall and solid build. He was wearing a dark hoody, shorts and jandals. The other man was also Polynesian, in his mid 20’s, skinny build and was wearing a red t-shirt and green hat.
“We are also appealing for the driver and any occupants of another vehicle, with a trailer with a dirt bike on the back of it, that was seen in the Trevors Road car park area at the time of the incident to contact them as they may be able to provide information that will help with the investigation” said Constable Forbes.
While Canterbury Police believe this was an isolated incident, this is also a timely for anyone who uses the track to be aware of their surroundings and the other people on the track with them. If you see a vehicle or people acting suspiciously in your community , if you can, note down a description or registration and call Police straight away.
Always call 111 in an emergency.
Anyone with any information who may be able to assist Police in identifying the two men is asked to call Ashburton Police on 03 307 8400.
Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
No further information relating to this incident will be released at this time.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404