Victoria Police are seeking public assistance to identify a woman suspected of attempting to kidnap a 33-year-old woman in Warrnambool in what detectives believe was a targeted attack arranged by a man linked to the victim.
Warrnambool Crime Investigation Unit detectives said the victim was walking home from work along Willow Tree Lane at about 4.30 pm on Tuesday, July 7, when she noticed a woman standing beside a white 2016 Hyundai i30.
Police allege the woman attacked the victim from behind as she walked past the vehicle and pushed her halfway inside the car.
The victim fought back, managed to escape from the vehicle and fell to the ground, where she continued kicking at the alleged offender.
Police said the woman then took the victim’s mobile phone, entered the Hyundai and drove south along Willow Tree Lane.
Detective Acting Sergeant Joe Fisher said investigators had made progress but now needed information from the public to identify the woman.
“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,” Detective Acting Sergeant Fisher said.
“This was a targeted incident in which we believe the woman involved was tasked by a man linked to the victim.”
Police believe they have identified the man suspected of arranging the alleged kidnapping, but say he appears to be overseas.
“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,” Detective Acting Sergeant Fisher said.
“Our aim today is to identify the woman involved, and we believe someone will know who she is.”
The woman police want to identify is described as Caucasian in appearance, aged between 20 and 30, with curly blonde hair.
At the time of the incident, she was allegedly wearing a black hoodie pulled over her head and bright pink hiking pants.
Investigators have released a computer-generated image of the woman and a stock image of a white 2016 Hyundai i30 in the hope someone recognises either the suspect or the vehicle.
Police have established that the Hyundai was a hire car and was driven through several Warrnambool streets during the hour after the alleged attack.
The vehicle travelled along Koroit Street, Hyland Street, Giffen Street and Raglan Parade, according to investigators.
Detectives are asking motorists who travelled through Willow Tree Lane or surrounding streets around the time of the incident to check their dashcam recordings.
Residents and businesses in the area have also been urged to review CCTV footage for any images of the vehicle or the woman.
Detective Acting Sergeant Fisher praised the victim for resisting the alleged attacker and escaping without serious physical injuries.
“The victim was very brave and I thank goodness she was able to get away,” he said.
“Luckily, she was not seriously injured.”
The investigation is continuing, with police examining the alleged involvement of the overseas-based man and how the woman suspected of carrying out the attack may have been recruited or instructed.
No arrests have been made.
Police have not publicly disclosed the relationship between the victim and the man believed to be linked to the alleged plot, citing the ongoing investigation.
The alleged incident has prompted a major appeal for witnesses in Warrnambool, with detectives believing the woman may be known to members of the local or broader Victorian community.
“I’m urging anyone with information to give us a call or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” Detective Acting Sergeant Fisher said.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, saw the white Hyundai, recognises the woman, or has CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.
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