press release
2/2/14
Whangärei CIB
At around 7.50 am on Saturday the 1st of February 2014 a 58 year old female was assaulted and robbed of her shoulder bag as she was walking along Otaika Road, SH1, Whangärei.
The victim was walking south on the footpath along the north bound carriageway of Otaika Road and was in the area of 44 Otaika Road when she was attacked. This would be some 100 metres south of the Maunu Road/SH1 intersection.
The offender decamped a short distance to an awaiting vehicle which was parked on SH1, facing south, opposite Matipo Place, Otaika.
Witnesses have described the offenders' vehicle as a silver coloured station wagon with tinted windows. The offender has been described as a male Maori.
The victim was treated at the Whangärei Hospital. Her upper left arm near to her shoulder is broken in two places and she sustained multiple cuts and bruising.
Traffic was moderate at the time and Police want to speak to the drivers/passengers of the following vehicles which would have witnessed the aggravated robbery:
a white coloured light truck similar in appearance to a milk truck with a refrigerator unit which was heading north along SH1 towards the Maunu lights intersection. There appeared to be a green and red swirl on the side of the truck.
a white coloured 4 door, 4WD flat deck truck, which was heading north along SH1 towards the Maunu lights intersection
a 2 door Nissan Safari type vehicle, two tone in colour being dark grey and light grey, towing a large tandem trailer heading south.
Police are also appealing for any members of the public who have information as to the identity of the offender/s or the vehicle used to contact Whangarei Police immediately on 09 430 4500 or 0800 CRIME STOPPERS.