Police are increasing patrols in central Kerikeri and women are being warned not to walk alone at night after three sexual attacks in just over two weeks.
Investigating officers are looking at whether the attacks, which include a rape, are linked.
In all three cases the women were walking home alone atnight through central Kerikeri when they were attacked by a man.
Kerikeri Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston said police had increased patrols in the area, and visiting licensed premises to raise awareness about the attacks.
In the latest incident last Saturday, a 21-year-old woman was walking home after being at a bar. She was grabbed from behind by a man near the intersection of Cobham Court and Cobham Rd at about 11.30pm. The attacker was said to have been wearing dark clothing, including a hooded top. He fled when a vehicle drove by.
The woman was not injured but police say the attack was sexually motivated. They would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the incident, or seen a lone person walking or running.
The previous Sunday, on July 17, an 18-year-old walking through Kerikeri Domain was attacked by a man. That incident followed an attack on an 18-year-old woman in Kerikeri's Fairway Dr area about midnight on July 9.
Police say they are investigating a complaint of rape.
"We would like to hear from anyone with information regarding any suspicious behaviour in Kerikeri, whether they think it might be connected to these incidents or not," Mr Johnston said. "We would also like to remind people who are out for a few drinks at night to stay together and to use either the courtesy cabs provided, or call a cab rather than walk alone at night."
Members of the public with information can contact Kerikeri police, 09 405 2994, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Meanwhile, police arrested a 17-year-old youth in Palmerston North this week.
Detective Sam Bindon said the man was charged with abduction and intent to rape, relating to an incident in Kawakawa on July 14. He was to appear in the Palmerston North District Court and was expected to be remanded to appear in the Kaikohe District Court.
