Tourists bags taken

Tauranga Police are asking the public for assistance to help identify a male that stole property from two female German tourists.

At about 9.30am on Saturday the 8th of October 2011, two female tourists were hitchhiking their way north in Te Puke. They were picked up by a male driving a dirty grey 4 door saloon vehicle.

The male drove them on State Highway 2, onto Welcome Bay Road and then told them to exit the vehicle where he stopped the vehicle on Hammond St in Welcome Bay.

He then quickly left with their back packs still in his boot and headed back on Welcome Bay Road in the direction of Te Puke.

The male was described as European, aged approximately 25yrs, medium length curly brown hair, stubble with a goatee beard, and sideburns. He was wearing a distinct black cap with red and grey
stripes.

The two tourists arrived in New Zealand 1 month ago. The backpacks contained crucial documentation and items to assist their stay while in New Zealand.

If anybody has any information or sees this vehicle they are urged to call the Tauranga Police.

Police would like to speak to anyone with any information that can lead to identifying the driver. Contact Acting Senior Sergeant Wayne Lambert at the Tauranga Police on 07 5774300.