Indecent assaults a concern

A worrying string of six indecent assaults of young women in the Ponsonby and Freeman's Bay suburbs over a 12 month period has prompted Avondale CIB to advise other possible victims who Police are not already aware of, to contact the investigation team.

The six offences against lone women walking along various streets occurred between November 2, 2012 and November 12, 2013. It's unknown whether all the offences were carried out by the same person or whether some are totally unrelated but, after several months investigation, it appears at least four of the six assaults might be linked.

In each of the incidents, the victim was approached and spoken to by an offender before being grabbed and indecently assaulted.

Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Florence says, while there have been some discrepancies between each victim's offender description, Police want nominations about men who fit the following profile:

· fair-skinned Maori or Polynesian in his late teens or early 20s

· of slight build and comparatively short

· noticeably big eyes and short cropped hair.

"As each complaint has come to us they have been investigated based on the information we had at the time and it's only through having a growing number of similar complaints that we are able to determine there may be a connection between them.

"We want to ensure that we know all there is to know so, if there are other victims who we haven't heard from, we encourage them to call Detective Constable Martin Friend at the Avondale CIB on 09 213 8484 or e-mail martin.friend@police.govt.nz."

Incidents occurred at the following locations and times on these dates:

2/11/2012 - Hepburn St, near Barry Street, Freeman's Bay - 4.45am
9/1/13 - Richmond Road, near Jessel Street, Grey Lynn - 6.20pm
24/2/13 - Richmond Rd near Millais St, Grey Lynn - 2.15am
7/4/13 - John St near Summer St, Ponsonby - 2am
15/9/13 - Franklin Rd near Heke St - Freeman's Bay - 5am
12/11/13 - Halsey Street, near Gaunt Street, St Mary's Bay -11.30pm
Mr Florence said it's important people are aware of the risks around personal safety in any city.

"People can reduce the risk of becoming victims of some crimes by walking in well lit areas where possible, remaining aware of your surroundings by avoiding distractions like ear phones and staying with friends or getting a safe ride home if it's late.

"Police should be made aware of any confrontations or assaults that happen as we can't investigate what we don't know about. Also, the more information we have about similar types of offences such as those referred to above, the quicker we can resolve matters."

Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on

0800 555 111.

ENDS

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