Arabic version: الشرطة تطلب تحديد هوية امرأة بشأن محاولة اختطاف مزعومة في وارنومبول
Police have released images and are investigating an attempted abduction of a woman in the south-west Victorian town of Warrnambool earlier this month.
According to ABC News, police say a 33-year-old woman was walking home from work on Willow Tree Lane on July 7 at about 4.30pm when another woman grabbed her from behind and pushed her into a hire car. The victim fought free, was not seriously injured, but the offender stole her phone and drove south away from the scene in a 2016 Hyundai i30 hire vehicle.
Victoria Police describe the offender as a Caucasian woman aged between 20 and 30 years old with blonde curly hair, wearing a black hoodie and pink hiking pants. Detective Acting Sergeant Joe Fisher said investigators believe the woman was tasked to commit the offence by a man who is linked to the victim and who “appears to be offshore.” He added investigators have progressed the inquiry and are now seeking public assistance to identify the woman.
Investigators have released CCTV of the vehicle driving on Koroit, Hyland and Giffen streets, and Raglan Parade in the hour following the incident, and detectives are appealing for additional CCTV and dash-cam footage from motorists who may have been in the area. Detective Acting Sergeant Fisher said, “Our aim today is to identify the woman involved, and we believe someone will know who she is.” He also thanked the victim for her bravery.
The incident is described by police as a targeted attack on a person walking home from work that involved a hire vehicle and an apparent overseas link to the person believed to have ordered the act. Police say the release of images and footage and the public appeal aim to assist identification of the woman and track the vehicle’s movements.
What happens next: police will continue to examine CCTV and dash-cam material and urge anyone with relevant footage or information to come forward to assist in identifying the woman and progressing the investigation.
Related sections: Australia/استراليا | Western Australia | Victoria
