07 January 2013
Operation Brad; Waihi Beach homicide, release 5

Now into its seventh day, Police say the investigation into the murder of a Queensland man at Waihi Beach on New Years Day is progressing well.

Waikato District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Chris Page, said about 30 Police staff from across the North Island were working on Operation Brad, investigating the murder of 64-year-old Murray WILKINSON.

"Over the weekend the scene examination of 25 Beach Rd, Waihi Beach was completed. The property was cleaned and then blessed by a local Kaumatua in the presence of Mr WILKINSON'S family.

"The address has now been returned to the family."

While this was going on an extensive search was completed in and around properties with the assistance of the Auckland based Police Specialist Search Group.

"These Auckland staff have returned but other officers from Counties Manukau, Waitakere, Bay of Plenty, Manawatü, Taranaki and the greater Waikato continue to work on the case as we apply a 'whole of policing' approach to solving this crime.

"During the course of our enquiries over the weekend a number of items of interest have been recovered, including several knives as the support of the local community continues."

And while the public have been able to assist Police in traditional ways, such as advising them of suspicious objects on their properties, others have helped using more modern methods such as accessing social media sites.

This has helped Police build up an accurate picture of just who was in the area at the time of Mr WILKINSON'S attack.

While the temporary Police station outside the scene has been removed along with the Police presence, members of the public can still access the enquiry team either at the Waihi and Waihi Beach Police stations.

The public can also contact the investigation team via the Operation Brad crimeline, 0800 Op Brad (0800 672723).

Alternatively information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

ENDS

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