KEY POINTS:
Police are hunting for a female burglar targeting rest homes in Christchurch.
Detective Sergeant Dorothy McPhail said Christchurch police had recently received several complaints of a woman entering rest homes and community residences and stealing property from staff and residents.
In one incident the woman had sprayed a caregiver in the face with a mace-like substance, after breaking into a community house in Tudor Ave, Ilam, about 8.45pm yesterday.
The caregiver suffered a burning sensation to her eyes and required medical attention, Ms McPhail said.
The offender had broken in through a window and left with a handbag belonging to the victim.
She was described as slim, of average height, Caucasian or part Maori, about 25 to 35 years old.
She had black hair pulled into a pony tail and three distinctive freckles under her right eye.
Police asked anyone with information to call Detective Rusty Rayne on 03 373 9118.
- NZPA
