Four rapes in city alleged

A pair of alleged rapists who targeted young women walking alone in central Hamilton could have been operating for six months.

Police today confirmed that two more victims have come forward since a Waikato Times story on Thursday saying two women had been targeted while walking near the intersection of Anglesea and London Sts in the last six weeks.

A 37-year-old man and 32-year-old woman arrested by police on Friday night were to appear in Hamilton District Court today facing three counts of rape and one of unlawful sexual connection.

The pair were arrested at a rural property between Hamilton and Cambridge.

After the Times' report of the alleged rapes of two young women on December 13 and January 24, police revealed on Saturday that a third young woman in her twenties came forward regarding a similar incident in July last year.

Today Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Andy BuBear confirmed a fourth complaint.

"We can now confirm the number of victims from the pair's activities over the past six months has risen to four women," Mr BuBear said.

"For reasons I'm unable to expand on, the victims hadn't come forward until such time as these more recent events were publicised and we would urge anyone else in similar circumstances to come forward," Mr BuBear said.

The man also faces a charge of carrying out an indecent act in a public place while both face charges of possession and cultivation of cannabis.

The first two victims alleged they were picked up and raped by a man and woman offering them rides home from the Anglesea St-London St area in central Hamilton.

The first two victims told police they had drunk alcohol with the occupants of the vehicle before being driven to a rural location and sexually assaulted.

Mr BuBear said after 24 years in policing he had never investigated a rape case like it and praised the work of the police investigation and information from the public which led to the arrests.

After appearing in court on Saturday morning the man was remanded in custody while the woman was bailed.

A silver Toyota Estima, thought to have been used in connection with the first two alleged offences, was also found at the rural Waikato address.

While Mr BuBear confirmed all the incidents had similarities he was unable to give further details about the series of alleged attacks.

The victims had been left traumatised but had not required hospitalisation, he said.

Mr BuBear said his inquiry team wanted to hear from anyone about similar incidents.

He can be contacted at the Hamilton police on 07 858 6200.

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