Kaikohe police are investigating a report of an attempted kidnapping of a teenage girl at Omapere on Sunday.
Detective Sergeant Chris Fouhy said the victim was walking on the footpath outside the Omapere Playcentre on State Highway 12 just before 3pm when she was approached by two men driving an older-model black sedan, described as dirty or dusty with tinted side windows. The front seat passenger grabbed the girl's handbag and pulled her towards then into the car, but she managed to break free.
The vehicle was last seen travelling west on State Highway 12 towards the Omapere Hill.
The passenger was described as Maori, of stocky build and aged about 30. He was wearing a red shirt, a red beanie and black sunglasses. The driver was described as Caucasian and wearing dark sunglasses.
"This is an unprovoked daytime attack on a female walking along a busy road," Detective Sergeant Fouhy said. "Police ask that people in the Opononi and Omapere areas be aware of those around them, and walk in pairs or groups where possible. If you encounter the people sought by police call 111 and get to a place of safety."
