Auckland City Police are investigating the home invasion of an elderly woman in Mt Wellington yesterday afternoon.
At around 3.30pm the 91 year-old victim returned home with her daughter. The pair had been shopping and had just got back to her home in the Mountain Road area.
Two men appeared at the front door. One of the men said they were lost and asked for directions. He then entered the house and assaulted the 91 year-old lady, pushing her to the floor. The victim knocked the back of her head on the ground.
The victim’s daughter ran to her aid, during which time the offenders grabbed the victim’s purse and handbag. Both men then fled.
Police were called and officers flooded the area, but the pair were not found.
The 91 year-old lady suffered a suspected head injury and has been in hospital overnight. At this stage she is expected to be released later today.
“This is a deplorable attack on a vulnerable person. Our elderly have the right to feel safe in their own homes without the fear of something like this happening. I want to reassure the community that we are doing everything possible to catch these offenders” says Detective Senior Sergeant Glenn Baldwin, Auckland City Police.
“Fortunately this lady is not seriously injured, but we know from experience that the long-term effects for a victim in a crime like this are ongoing and traumatic” says Det Snr Sgt Glenn Baldwin.
Detectives are out in the Mountain Road area this morning and are going door to door, as part of any area canvass. Any CCTV in the area is also being gathered and will be reviewed as part of the enquiries.
The offenders are described as the following;
Main offender
-Aged 25 to 30 years old
-Fair-skinned Maori or Pacific Islander
-Average build
-No facial hair
-Approximately 180-183 cms tall
Second offender
-Aged around 15 years to late teens
-Fair-skinned Maori or Pacific Islander
-Wearing a tan-coloured hooded sweatshirt
Car they are believed to have travelled in
-Metallic blue sedan
-Possibly lowered
-Loud exhaust
-Similar shape to a Nissan Skyline
“We have a number of enquiries underway. I am saying to these people, come to us before we come to you. To anyone out there who even suspects that they might know who these people are, do the right thing. Tell us what you know. This could be any of our grandparents” says Det Snr Sgt Glenn Baldwin.
“Fortunately, attacks of this type are not common. I know though that this will be frightening for many elderly, and let me say again that we are doing everything we can to catch these offenders” says Det Snr Sgt Baldwin.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Auckland Central Crime Squad on 09 302 6557.
Private messages can also be sent to the Auckland City District Police Facebook page.
Information can also be given anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Beth Bates/NZ Police
Media: DSS Baldwin will hold a standup on the steps of the Auckland Central Police station at 1pm today. Please gather outside the public counter before this time.