The Kawerau woman brutally bashed in her home just before New
Year's Eve has been overwhelmed by support from her
community.
The 71-year-old suffered severe facial injuries when an
intruder barged into her home after she opened her front door
in the early hours of December 29. Her car was stolen in the
attack but was later recovered.
Described as remarkable by police, the woman is scheduled for
surgery in Waikato Hospital in the next week or so. According
to a spokesperson for the woman, she needs to have titanium
plates inserted into both eye sockets. She also required
medical attention for a split left ear, a shattered tooth
socket and a fractured jaw.
She has been the recipient of home baking, and offers to mow
her lawns and do her garden have flooded in, with many more
people asking what they could do to help.
With that in mind, the Whakatane News approached Whakatane
Bunnings Warehouse after hearing about a digital door viewer.
The viewer is disguised as a peephole but allows the person
inside a sweeping view of what's outside the door. Connected
to the attached doorbell, the viewer also takes a photo once
the doorbell is activated.
Bunnings is donating a viewer and having it installed. It was
also prepared to donate a new front door if the home's door
was not suitable for the viewer.
While police are still looking for the offender, many people
within the mill town have taken to social media sites to vent
their frustration over the incident.
- Katee Shanks of the Whakatane News
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