18 September 2010
Hamilton Police have been left both disgusted and perplexed at the behaviour of an offender who terrorised an elderly couple in their Whitiora home early this morning.
Sergeant Dale Smith of the City's Proactive Policing Team said officers were called to the Seddon Rd address about 6.40am.
"An elderly couple, aged in their seventies to eighties were awoken and confronted by a man dressed in dark clothing who threatened them before making off.
"It appears the man has gone from room to room in the house smashing glassware and throwing food about before going to the master bedroom."
Mr Smith said a Police dog and handler arrived at the scene within minutes but could only track the offender a short distance before the scent was lost in the appalling weather conditions.
"This couple have lived in their home for over 60 years and now their sense of security has been shattered.
"For not only their peace of mind but those of other elderly residents we're appealing for anyone with any information on the identity of the offender to come forward."
Mr Smith said Police had been unable to find any sign of forced entry into the couple's home and suspect a door may have been left unlocked earlier in the morning when the couple had gotten up, before returning to their bed.
The couple were left shaken but unhurt by their ordeal.
"This is a timely reminder that if you think you may have left a door or window open, go and check it.
"Overnight Thursday/ Friday there were a couple of opportunist burglaries of homes in Huntington where doors had been left unlocked, we don't want to see a repeat of this morning's events so are asking people to check, then check again."
Anyone with any information on this morning's incident is asked to contact Mr Smith at the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 858 6200. Alternatively information can be left anonymously on the CrimeStoppers crimeline, 0800 555111.
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