Media Release Archive
Alleged aggravated sexual assault - Hurlstone Park
Monday, 02 Nov 2009 01:24pm
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man who may be able to assist with inquiries into an aggravated sexual assault at Hurlstone Park in Sydney’s inner west.
About 10.30am on Saturday (31 October 2009), a 22-year-old woman was sleeping in her unit in Duntroon Street when she was woken by an armed intruder. The man sexually assaulted the woman before leaving the unit with a number of personal effects.
The woman notified neighbours and was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for treatment.
An investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the incident and police are appealing for anyone who saw a man acting in a suspicious manner in the vicinity of Duntroon Street between 10.15am and 11am on Saturday to contact investigators.
In particular, police would like to speak with a man who may be able to assist with inquiries. He’s been described to investigators as being 170cm tall with broad shoulders, olive skin, black hair, and dark bushy eyebrows. The man was last seen wearing a navy-coloured blue shirt with red stripes down the side, and blue jeans.
Anyone with information about the incident, the man’s identity, or his current whereabouts, is asked to contact Ashfield Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police would like to remind anyone living alone, particularly women, to be aware of home and personal security. Tips include:
<UL>
<LI>Install the best and most appropriate locks for the doors and windows of your home, and if possible, install a security/screen door to provide additional protection</LI>
<LI>Ensure that landscaping is free from potential ‘hiding places’ for potential intruders, and wherever practical, keep trees and shrubs trimmed, improving visibility of your home and reducing a potential intruder’s opportunity to break in unseen</LI>
<LI>Don’t let callers know that you are home alone, and don’t give personal information to a caller you don’t know</LI>
<LI>If you live alone, don't publicise this or whether you are Ms, Miss, Mrs or Mr. </LI>
<LI>If you're not sure who it is, don't open the door</LI>
<LI>If someone is at the door and you are alone, pretend someone else is there</LI>
<LI>Be suspicious of people wanting to enter your home. Ask for identification, look at it carefully and contact their office for verification</LI>
<LI>If someone wants to use your phone for an emergency, offer to make the call for them, but keep them out</LI></UL>