Warning after alleged Tokoroa kidnapping

Police in Waikato are warning women to take care walking the streets at night after a Tokoroa man allegedly kidnapped a woman at the weekend.

A 23-year-old woman had been walking home alone from a Tokoroa tavern about 1.50am Saturday when a man drove up and threatened her with violence, Detective Sergeant Kevin Verry said.

She got into his car and he drove her to his house where he locked her in, then tried to strike up conversation with her.

The woman was scared for her safety, Mr Verry said.

She managed to escape, then called police.

A 42-year-old man was arrested a short time later.

He appeared in Tokoroa District Court yesterday, charged with kidnapping, and was released on bail to reappear at a later date.

The incident was a timely reminder for women to take care when walking home from licensed premises, Mr Verry said.

"Unfortunately there are those in society who lurk in the darkness and target the drunk and vulnerable and it is obvious that these persons do not have honourable intentions."

Women should travel in pairs and use taxis to get home safely, he said.

- NZPA