Police are actively investigating an alleged incident in Porirua, where a man was reported to have attempted to force a woman into a black van earlier this week. Despite extensive enquiries, Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Middlemiss says that the exact circumstances of the event remain unclear.
“We understand that reports like this can cause significant concern in the community,” says Middlemiss. However, he notes that an innocent individual was recently confronted by a member of the public who wrongly accused him of involvement in the incident.
Police have also noted an increase in social media posts encouraging vigilante actions, which they describe as “incredibly concerning.” Middlemiss emphasizes, “While we take matters like this very seriously, anyone attempting to take the law into their own hands could face charges.”
The public is urged to exercise caution and remember that not all online reports are accurate. Police encourage anyone with legitimate information regarding the incident to contact them through the 105 hotline, referencing file number 240827/3959.