Police are investigating after two people were assaulted at Queens Park on Friday and Sunday nights.
Both victims were lured through the use of dating apps and police are investigating a potential link between the incidents.
One of the victims was in critical care, while the other sustained serious injuries.
‘‘You hear about assaults, but I’ve never heard of anything as serious or planned as this.’’
He advised residents to follow police advice about staying safe.
There were discussions about how to make Invercargill safer, but only so much was possible.
‘‘All the places people could ask to meet, on the beach, Sandy Point, Donovan Park ... it would be impossible to increase security in all of them.’’
Police said there were multiple assailants at the incidents, but he did not believe any weapons were involved.
Southland area prevention manager Acting Inspector Mel Robertson said the offenders were taking advantage of people’s trust.
‘‘It appears people are using these apps to lure people to secluded locations at night with the intention to attack them.’’
She said police were working to identify the assailants.
Anyone planning to meet someone via a dating app should choose a public, well-lit location and let someone trusted know of their movements.
Invercargill City Council parks and recreations manager Caroline Rain said the council was committed to safety in the city’s parks.
‘‘In Queens Park, security cameras are installed across public-facing areas and arterial pathways are lit from dusk till dawn every night.’’
She acknowledged that although those security measures were in place, ‘‘the parks are open and shared public spaces’’.
• Police 105 (or 0800555-111), reference file number 260510/6480.
