Tension rises in Tokoroa with killer still at large

As the hunt for Lois Dear's killer enters its sixth day, police say they can understand the growing sense of fear among many Tokoroa residents, especially the elderly and people living alone.

"I can understand why people feel that way and that's only natural. The teachers at the school feel the same way," said Detective Inspector Garth Bryan, who is leading the team hunting the killer of the 66-year-old new entrants teacher.

"While there is a killer out there, yes ... the risk is somewhat raised. The sooner we catch this person, the sooner we can get back to some sense of normalcy."

So far police have not been able to find a motive for the killing.

They have also not released a description of the person who stole Ms Dear's Toyota Corolla after she was beaten to death in her classroom. The car was driven around Tokoroa before it was dumped behind the Catholic church on Sunday.

Mr Bryan said police wanted members of the public to talk about what they had seen, rather than what they thought might fit a description released by the police.

"We don't want to suggest anything to anyone," said. "We want them to come to us with suggestions."

Despite the apparent lack of breakthroughs, Mr Bryan said police were making progress.

They had completed scene examinations of the classroom and car and had taken samples for testing.

They had also visited more than 100 homes surrounding the school.

People who had seen something of relevance had been re-interviewed.

A team of about 25 officers, many of whom have been working 12-hour days, will continue to work on the case this weekend, sifting through information and taking calls on the police hotline.

Mr Bryan said the investigating officers needed just one call to make a breakthrough in the case.

In the meantime, he urged residents to take their own precautions to ensure personal safety.

That included making sure all doors and windows were locked, not answering the door at night to strangers and reporting anything suspicious to police.

Many residents say they have been doing just that.

"My husband has always told me to lock the doors," said one woman who only wanted to be known as Sharon. "I always do that now."

Sharon, who lives close to where the car was dumped, said the murder had brought back memories of a home invasion when she was a child. After that experience she had been safety conscious but that had lapsed over time.

"People take safety for granted and we should be able to feel safe but the damage is done now," she said.

"I will always lock up now."

Another woman, who did not want to be named, said she was shocked to learn there had been a murder in close-knit Tokoroa - and that it was likely that the killer was a local.

"I have always felt safe here," she said.

"You can leave the keys in the car and run into a shop. Now you have to lock the doors and make sure you are safe."

Mr Bryan said he had heard rumours about some people in the community wanting to find the killer themselves and "take justice into their own hands".

Although he did not advocate that, his message to the killer was clear: "Sometimes it can be better for the police to find [you] than others."

* People who saw Ms Dear's car on Sunday, or who have any other information about the case, are asked to contact Tokoroa police on (0800) 525 368.

OPERATION STRATHMORE

The suspect(s):

* No description released but police say the killer is probably local and may not have acted alone.

* Could have unexplained injuries, bruising or cuts.

* Could be acting strangely or not want to leave the house.