"We need to hear from anyone who may have seen suspicious people in and around the Sunset and Glenfield Road intersection at around 2.30pm" said Ms Richmond.
"If you live in that area and perhaps you've noticed that someone has tried to break into your house, but you haven't reported it to us, please do so immediately."
Ms Richmond said the victim was not hospitalised but was left incredibly shaken. She was being supported by police and victim support.
Police were now stepping up efforts in the area to find the offender.
"We'll have extra patrols in the area over the coming days, but I'd really like to ask the community to get in touch if they've seen anything that seemed a bit unusual" said Ms Richmond.
Anyone with information was asked to contact the North Shore CIB on 09 477 5000
In Hamilton yesterday an elderly woman had her handbag stolen from her arms, causing her to fall to the ground after a young man struck up a conversation with her in her driveway.
Police are investigating the attack, at a Fifth Ave home in Hamilton.
Detective Sergeant Nick O'Brien of the Hamilton CIB said police were alerted by a neighbour about 1pm.
"Our victim came home and parked her car in the garage."She was then approached by a young man who initiated a conversation with her in the driveway.
"This man has then used force to take the woman's handbag from her, causing her to fall to the ground."
The man then left the property on foot and and was last seen in the Fifth Ave/ Tramway Rd area.
"The victim is obviously traumatised by this experience and was subsequently taken to Waikato Hospital for observation," Mr O'Brien said.
"This was a cowardly act against a vulnerable member of our community."
Mr O'Brien said police wish to speak to anyone who saw the man, described as a teenaged, light-skinned Maori, wearing a red cap, in the area between midday and 1pm.
They can contact Constable Kerry Tinworth at the Hamilton central police station on (07) 858 6200 or anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555
