An elderly man was pushed out of his own car by the hitchhikers he'd picked up.
He stopped to let the two men into his Suzuki Swift at about 1:30pm on Friday in Kerikeri, police say. Near Kerikeri Airport, the men pushed him out of the vehicle and drove off in the direction of Okaihau.
Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston says the people who exploited the man's generosity must be found and held accountable.
"This was a cowardly and unprovoked attack on a vulnerable member of our community, and we urgently want to find the offenders responsible for this incident," he says.
Police are appealing for sightings of the man's red Suzuki Swift with the registration number GNS33.
Anyone who has seen the car or has any information about the assault and theft is urged to call Kerikeri police on (09) 407 9211, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Newshub.
