Police are appealing for witnessess after an elderly woman was tied up and robbed in her home in the South Auckand suburb of Paptoetoe.
A man wearing a balaclava and holding a knife pushed in as the woman opened her back door to collect laundry on Wednesay afternoon. He then tied her up with a scarf and a bedsheet and ransacked the house for jewellery and cash.
Dectective Sergeant Simon Beal, of Counties Manukau, says officers are appalled at the violent nature of the crime during broad daylight and are appealing for any information that may lead to the man being caught.
Their area of interest is Huia, Stonex and Kimpton roads and Bernard Street.
Anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour in these streets between midday and 4pm on Wednesday should call police immediately.
