Police are ramping up their investigation into an attempted kidnapping in Victoria’s south-west earlier this month.
Warrnambool Crime Investigation Unit detectives allege a 33-year-old woman was walking home along Willow Tree Lane about 4.30pm on July 7, when she was confronted by a woman standing beside a white 2016 Hyundai 130.
Investigators said the victim walked past the vehicle before she was attacked from behind and pushed halfway into the car.
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She managed to fight off the alleged attacker, escape from the car and fall to the ground, where she kicked at the offender before the woman allegedly stole her phone and fled, driving south along Willow Tree Lane.
Victoria Police have now released a stock image of the vehicle and a computer-generated photo of a woman they are seeking to identify in hopes the public can help advance their investigation.
The woman is described as being Caucasian, aged between 20 and 30, with blonde curly hair. At the time, she was wearing a black hoodie pulled over her head and bright pink hiking pants.
Officers believe the incident was planned and are investigating a link to a man they think may be connected to the victim.
Detective Acting Sergeant Joe Fisher said investigators had reached a point where assistance from the community was needed.
“We’ve done a lot of work and progressed our investigation; however, we’re now at a stage where we need assistance from the public,” Det Fisher said in a statement provided to The Nightly.
“This was a targeted incident in which we believe the woman involved was tasked by a man linked to the victim.
“As the investigation is ongoing, I’m not able to go into too much detail about the man other than to say we believe we know who he is and he appears to be off-shore.
“Our aim today is to identify the woman involved and we believe someone will know who she is.
Victoria Police have released a stock image of the vehicle and a computer-generate photo of a woman they are seeking to identify in hopes the public can help advance their investigation. Credit: Victoria Police
In the hour after the attack, the vehicle, which police have identified as a hire-car, was driven along Koroit, Hyland and Giffen streets and Raglan Parade.
Police are urging anyone who was driving in the area around the time of the incident and may have dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Detective Fisher confirmed the victim was able to get away from the offender without any major injuries.
“The victim was very brave and I thank goodness she was able to get away. Luckily she was not seriously injured.”
Anyone with information is advised to contact the police hotline or submit an online report at the Crime Stoppers website.
