Sunday, 23 June 2013 - 4:42pm |
National News

Investigation names person of interest

2 min read

News article photos, audio and videos (2 items)

Investigation names person of interest
Investigation names person of interest

Police investigating the series of recent attacks on elderly in their Auckland homes want to locate and speak with 36 year-old William John Murphy, also known as Wiremu Ruapapera.

William Murphy has been identified as the man in the picture taken at the Pt Chevalier ASB Bank on Thursday, June 20, a short while after a 79 year-old Westmere woman was robbed and tied up in her home.

Detective Inspector Karyn Malthus says information from the public has named the man in the ASB photo as William (Willy) Murphy and it's imperative Police find him as soon as possible.

"He is a key person of interest in this investigation and we'd very much like to speak with him about his activities over the past week.

"Murphy is fairly transient between Kaitaia and Manurewa and anyone who knows where he is or how to contact him should tell us. We want to prevent any further such attacks on people in their homes - the very place they should feel and be safe."

In all there've been eight similar offences against elderly victims in the region since Monday, June 17 and a further, possibly linked, theft of a vehicle in Penrose shortly before 7am on Thursday, June 20.

Ms Malthus says it's not clear whether all eight offences were committed by the same person so it's important that anyone with information about any of the incidents not close their mind to the possibility there are other offenders targetting our older citizens.

"In five of the eight incidents where elderly have been confronted in their homes, the offender has purported to be a Police officer.

"We are treating all these offences with urgency and have a team of staff from the three Auckland Police districts working on the investigation. We're concerned the behaviour of whoever is responsible for these confrontations and attacks may escalate s

"It's vital that people are cautious about opening their doors to cold-callers and, if they feel uncomfortable or doubtful about the authenticity of the identities proffered, to act on their instincts and call Police as soon as possible."

Ages of the elderly victims range between 69 and 97 at the following times and locations:

• 10.45am, Monday, June 17, Remuera Rd - 75 year-old victim
• 8.23am, Thursday, June 20, Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa - 76 year-old victim
• 9.10am, Thursday, June 20, Pupuke Drive, Takapuna - 97 year-old victim
• 9.45am, Thursday, June 20, Lake Rd, Northcote - 87 year-old victim
• 9.55am, Thursday, June 20, Curran St, Herne Bay - 69 year-old victim
• 10.20am, Thursday, June 20, Lemington Rd, Westmere - 79 year-old victim
• 8pm, Saturday, June 22, Dale Crescent, Pakuranga - 74 year-old victim.

Two cars stolen over the past week and which are likely to be linked to at least some of the home invasion offending are still outstanding - a two-door Honda Prelude, registration number DPD488 and a black Holden HSV Club Sport registration DBG685.

Anyone with information about William Murphy (Wiremu Ruapapera), where the vehicles can be found or anyone else who might be of interest to the investigation should call Police on 111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz

Related downloads

Investigation names person of interest
Investigation names person of interest JPG - 14KB
Investigation names person of interest
Investigation names person of interest JPG - 33KB