"Palmerston North Investigation Continues"

Attributable to Inspector Sarah Stewart, Manawatu Area Commander:

After inquiries made this afternoon, police are now looking for any sightings of a late model Nissan Maxima similar to the image attached.

Police are unsure of the year of the model, but believe it to be a 1988-1995 vehicle which did not change drastically during these years.

We would like to hear from anyone who was in the Shamrock Street area at 8.30am on Friday, 12 February, and then again in the Hind Place area at 11am who saw a vehicle matching the model above.

We are also keen to hear from any drivers who may have been in a similar vehicle in these areas to contact police so we can speak with them.

Quite often, the smallest thing could help solve a case, so while you may have dismissed a similar looking vehicle as nothing, Police still want to hear from you.

This type of incident, while rare here in New Zealand, is every family’s worst nightmare.

We’ve a much loved young girl who has been taken by someone not known to her and we currently do not know why.

While she was dropped off sometime later, it does not change the devastation and panic of the family in what would have seemed like an extremely long time while she was missing.

No family should ever have to feel this way, and that is why it is important we continue to receive support from the community through contacting us and giving any information they have.

Anyone with information, no matter how small, please contact the Palmerston North Police Station on (06) 3513600

Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously via the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Community concerns

Police also understand the concern and panic which may be felt by other families and the wider community as a result of these incidents.

We do need to stress that this is extremely rare in New Zealand, but parents and caregivers should continue to speak with their children around how to recognise the undesired behaviours from other people.

Unlike this case, most children who are taken by someone know the person in some way so it is key to speak with your children around behaviours they should be avoiding, no matter who is displaying it.

There are some key safety precautions that children can use to help prevent these incidents occurring including walking with friends or older relatives, knowing where to go for help and how to raise the alarm as soon as possible.

ENDS

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