Sex attacks in Taupo and Rotorua have police warning women to be wary. JO-MARIE BROWN reports.
Rotorua and Taupo police are investigating home invasion sex attacks after a teenager was raped and another woman sexually violated at the weekend.
Detective Paul Armstrong said a 16-year-old Rotorua girl was raped in her parents'sleepout about 9 on Sunday morning by an intruder who forced his way in.
"It is a worry. For that time of day it was very bold," he said.
The large Pacific Island man, believed to be in his 40s, jumped over neighbouring fences and escaped after the attack.
"The key to identifying the attacker probably lies with neighbours who have seen him in the area before or after the assault," Detective Armstrong said.
One person had already reported seeing the man, who had dark, greying hair and a beard, near the girl's home in Diana Place earlier that morning.
In another attack, a Taupo woman was sexually violated around 1 am on Sunday when a man followed her home and forced his way inside.
Detective Sergeant Chris Parker said a 31-year-old man had been arrested after allegedly pushing the woman inside her unit when she arrived home.
"This incident enforces warnings that are given out by the police about women, in particular, who walk unaccompanied, especially during the hours of darkness," Detective Sergeant Parker said.
"With summer fast approaching, parties, and late nights on the town, we can only give the advice to travel in a group if on foot."
The 28-year-old woman was not physically injured during the attack and had not previously met the man, who now faces three charges of sexual violation and one of male assaults female.
