NZ Police say they have put the brakes on an offender who allegedly committed a string of indecent assaults on women aboard one Auckland bus route.
Over the past six months, Counties Manukau East detectives have been investigating the reports on a bus route 70 running between Botany and Britomart.
Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Dean Batey says officers have been working to piece together the reports.
“We have been reviewing CCTV footage and worked with other units within Police,” said Det Snr Sgt Batey, with police arresting a 51-year-old Clover Park man this week.
The man is facing three charges of indecent assault and is due to reappear in the Manukau District Court today.
He has been charged in relation to alleged incidents on 9 November 2023 when he boarded in the city; on 8 March 2024 when he boarded in Panmure; and on 21 May 2024 after boarding in Pakuranga.
The man charged is currently remanded in custody.
“I would like to acknowledge the three women who reported what had happened to them so that Police could investigate,” said Det Snr Sgt Batey.
“Anyone commuting or using public transport should be able to do so safely and not be subjected to the behaviour experienced in these cases.
“I hope this arrest brings people commuting on this route some reassurance.”
Police say they are still making enquiries into the matter and have not ruled out further charges being laid.
“I would ask anyone who believes they have further information to assist these enquiries to contact us,” said Det Snr Sgt Batey.
Information can be reported by contacting Police on 105 or by going online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105.
