Levin Police are urgently seeking information from the public after a home invasion followed by an attempted aggravated robbery of a dairy that occurred in the township yesterday evening (30 July, 2014).
Officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Sergeant Peter Vine says: "At about 6:25pm last night a man wearing dark clothing and a balaclava forced his way into a Liverpool Street home and confronted the elderly residents."
"The offender was carrying a knife and made demands before taking a wallet, mobile phone, keys, and the residents blue BMW vehicle."
In the stolen vehicle he then drove to the McArthur Street Dairy where he attempted to rob the owners before leaving in the vehicle. The victims of both incidents alerted police immediately.
A short time later the vehicle was sighted by officers and signalled to pullover however the offender has failed to stop for police. Officers pursued the vehicle until it was discarded by the offender at an address in Opiki north of Shannon. The offender decamped through farm land and is still yet to be located.
“Descriptions of the offender are being worked through with the victims but they are naturally distressed and it will take a bit of time to get some more details.
"We are continuing to support the victims and have also offered them the services of Victim Support."
Officers carried out a scene examination on the BMW and at the Liverpool Street property today and are in the process of canvassing the area around the dairy.
"We are appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious around Liverpool and McArthur Streets or in the general area including State Highway 57 yesterday evening to early morning to contact police immediately," says Detective Sergeant Vine.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Detective Sergeant Vine on (06) 366 0509. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.