A 91-year-old woman has been hospitalised after being assaulted by one of two men who forced their way into her Mt Wellington home on Monday.
The elderly woman and her daughter had just returned home from shopping at about 3:30pm when two men appeared at the front door saying they were lost and asking for directions.
One of the men forced his way into the house and pushed the 91-year-old woman to the floor. The back of her head was knocked in the fall.
Her daughter ran to help her, and the offenders grabbed the woman's handbag and fled, police say.
Police officers flooded the Mountain Rd area looking for the men, but they haven't been caught.
"This is a deplorable attack on a vulnerable person," Detective Senior Sergeant Glenn Baldwin said.
"Our elderly have the right to feel safe in their own homes without the fear of something like this happening. I want to reassure the community that we are doing everything possible to catch these offenders."
The 91-year-old woman suffered a suspected head injury and was in hospital overnight. She is expected to be released on Tuesday.
"Fortunately this lady is not seriously injured, but we know from experience that the long-term effects for a victim in a crime like this are ongoing and traumatic," Detective Baldwin said.
"I am saying to these people, come to us before we come to you. To anyone out there who even suspects that they might know who these people are, do the right thing. Tell us what you know. This could be any of our grandparents," he said.
Detectives are going door to door in the area and reviewing CCTV footage from the area.
Main offender
Second offender
Car they are believed to have travelled in
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Auckland Central Crime Squad on 09 302 6557.
Private messages can be sent to the Auckland City District Police Facebook page, and information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Newshub.
