A "cowardly, threatening and pathetic attack" on two youths in Dunedin on Sunday night may be linked to a robbery in Invercargill the same day, police say.
Detective Sergeant Chris Henderson, of Dunedin, said the youths, aged 15 and 17, were in Serpentine Ave, Dunedin, about 10.15pm on Sunday.
They were approached by a Maori man, thought to be aged between 18 and 25, who grabbed the youths and demanded money.
One of the youths handed over property.
The second victim was then approached by another Maori man, also thought to be aged between 18 and 25, who had been waiting in a nearby car.
The second victim also felt sufficiently intimidated to hand over some of the clothing he was wearing.
Both offenders then got into the car and drove in the direction of the city.
Neither youth was injured.
Constable Lachy MacDonald, who attended the incident, said the attack was cowardly, particularly as the youths were minding their own business.
The incident in Invercargill happened about 4.20am when a male was approached by a man fitting the same description as one offender in the Dunedin attack.
The man handed over clothing and other personal items.
Det Sgt Henderson said in both cases the men were travelling in either a black BMW or Mercedes which had tinted windows and was possibly lowered.
The descriptions of the first man was that of a male Maori, about 188cm tall and of "stocky" build, with black hair, and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and blue/grey loose fitting jeans.
He had bare feet.
The second man who emerged from the car was also a male Maori, about 173cm tall and of slim build, with a zip-up dark coloured hooded sweatshirt, jeans and skate shoes.
Det Sgt Henderson urged witnesses to contact theDunedin CIB.
He did not know if the incidents were gang related.
Dunedin police are appealing for witnesses after a 23-year-old woman was assaulted by two women with a high-heeled shoe on Sunday morning.
Sergeant Chris George said the incident, outside Farmers in George St about 5.20am, was witnessed by a security guard.
The woman received a cut to her head.
A Great King St, North Dunedin, house was burgled on Friday or Saturday night, with thieves making off with thousands of dollars worth of goods, including . two iPods, a guitar, an X Box and X Box games.
