Call for sex attacker's victims to tell police

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A serial sex offender may have been preying on women in South Auckland and police are appealing for victims to come forward.

Police this week arrested a 25-year-old Samoan man after attacks on three women in Otara on July 3 and 7 and September 22.

A source said the man, who is in custody, had hinted to police there might be more victims.

The man allegedly followed the women in his car or on foot. He waited until they got to a park or secluded area before grabbing them and sexually assaulting them.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Glossop said police "had good reason to believe" the man was responsible for more attacks.

"While we'd like to think we've stopped a predator in his tracks ... we are sure there'll be more victims.

"He's been in New Zealand since the end of 2008. We know where he's lived here since then and we're scanning the areas to see what's been reported and see if we can link those incidents to him."

He is facing charges of sexual violation, indecent assault and abduction and is to reappear in the Manukau District Court on November 9.

Mr Glossop said the victims identified so far were Maori or Pacific Island women aged 17 and older.

The attacks happened in the Hills Rd area of Otara.

"We would urgently like to hear from any members of the public who have been approached by this man or witnessed him approaching others.

"The man had been living in the area of Mangere prior to January this year, so it's possible he's offended in this area too."

Can you help?

The suspect is 1.75m tall, has a strong Samoan accent, bushy black hair, a goatee and long sideburns, Samoan and Chinese tattoos on left arm.

* Please contact Otara police on (09) 272-5676 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111 with information.