By CHERIE TAYLOR in Rotorua
The latest rural home invasion may be linked to at least one of five burglaries at the same property, police say.
Rotorua businessman Peter Bentley was beaten up and stabbed by two people as he was leaving his rural Maniatutu Rd cattle farm for work at about 6am on Saturday.
Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner of the Tauranga police said there had been up to nine burglaries at the same address in the last seven years - the latest two months ago.
A scene examination had been completed and items collected had been sent to ESR for forensic examination, said Mr Turner.
"We are following a positive line of inquiry into the burglars and I am confident in time we will solve both the burglary and the aggravated robbery."
Police believe at least one of the offenders in the latest attack, which left Mr Bentley in hospital nursing head injuries, was injured in the incident and want to speak with anyone who may have treated or seen an injured and bleeding person on Saturday morning.
They also want to speak with anyone who may have noticed any unusual vehicles in the area on Friday night or Saturday morning.
Mr Turner said he believed the offenders had parked a getaway vehicle in the vicinity of the Bentleys' home.
"We have done a leaflet drop in the area. It's fair to say this was not your standard burglary. These guys went in disguised and with a firearm," he said.
Rural residents should always remain vigilant and record registration numbers of vehicles they did not recognise that were parked in the area and plan for emergencies, said Mr Turner.
"If people come home and there is a strange vehicle parked in the driveway, they should drive to their neighbours and call the police," he said. "The Bentleys had worked out a plan about what they would do in an emergency after previously burglaries, and that assisted them greatly."
Mr Bentley was discharged from hospital yesterday.
Friends in Rotorua told The Daily Post they were disgusted he was the victim of a "senseless", violent crime.
Pepper's Cafe owner John Walters has known Mr Bentley for at least 12 years and described him as a very gentle man. Along with about six or seven other Rotorua businessmen, Mr Bentley turns up daily at Mr Walters' cafe for a coffee and a chinwag.
"There are very few real gentlemen in the world but he's one of them. In all the time I have known Peter he has never raised his voice to anyone. He's helped so many people in this town and has done it without any fanfare," he said.
Mr Walters said he grew up in a rural community and was highly disgusted that his friend had been attacked on his own turf.
"It's a different story these days, that's for real. Sadly, we have a lot of low life in this country who seem to think they can do what ever they want," he said. "My wife, Floss, and I are absolutely devastated this has happened to Peter and Maggie. They have worked so hard to build a sanctuary for themselves out there."
Mamaku dairy and deer farmer Jack Butterworth said he was "absolutely shattered" his friend of 30 years, who he described as a great guy, had fallen victim to a home invasion.
"It's just terrible - no, sickening. The low-life mongrels. This is a very hard working man who helps a lot of people and he doesn't deserve this. This sort of thing is starting to become a common occurrence around New Zealand. It's a real concern," he said.
Mr Butterworth said he would use any measures necessary to ensure the safety of his family if faced with a similar situation.
"I'd protect myself and my family in a very positive manner. People can take what they want from that," he said.
When The Daily Post called the Bentley's home yesterday there was a message on the answerphone thanking people for their concern and support and assuring callers that Mr Bentley was on the mend
Vicious attack and burglaries may be linked
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.