Theft from vacant parked campervans are a increasingly common occurrence particularly in the north island. However in a weekend attack on a young Dutch couple has shocked police and New Zealanders alike. The newlyweds, two months into their honeymoon were attacked by two masked men armed with a shotgun just before the couple were preparing to sleep. The incident occurred at the pituresque car park of Haruru Falls, just out of Paihia in the Bay of Islands.
The couple were forced into the back of the motorhome and tied up where the young women was raped by the two men in front of her husband. The two attackers thought to be local Maoris due to there description and knowledge of this remote area, then drove the van and hostages for several hours, forcing the couple to empty their bank accounts via automatic teller machines.
Detective Inspector Mike Pannett said such incidents were “extremely uncommon in the Far North area and police have significant concerns over the nature and seriousness of this incident”. Police are advising people camping either in tents or campervans in the Bay of Islands Northland area to use designated camping grounds rather than freedom camping.
This case highlights the problems that is growing in the North Island. Criminals are increasingly targeting tourist vehicles. NZ Tour Maps strongly recommends that you do not freedom camp anywhere in the North Island. Freedom camping in the South Island is still very safe and offers perhaps a better scenic experience.
Tags: New Zealand by Road
This crime outraged the far north community and resulted on over 25 police working on the case. Two males have now been arrested after only 13 days of police inquiries.