Police identify rock throwing serial window smashers

A rock was thrown through Sandra Dougall's Highsted Rd property. Photo: Supplied
A rock was thrown through Sandra Dougall's Highsted Rd property. Photo: Supplied
Police have identified two alleged offenders they believe threw rocks through the windows of multiple homes in Christchurch late last year.

Senior Sergeant Roy Appley said the pair were identified following inquiries and a detailed investigation will follow once all of the victims have been identified.

“Formal charges will be laid once this is complete," he said. 

"We are pleased to get the matter to this stage, but it will take quite a bit more time to get to the conclusion of the investigation."

Rocks were also thrown through windows in Bishopdale. Photo: Supplied
Rocks were also thrown through windows in Bishopdale. Photo: Supplied
Police believe there may be more victims who have not yet filed reports with police and are encouraging them to come forward.

In November, starnews.co.nz revealed police were performing a number of covert operations and increasing their presence in Bishopdale in a bid to catch the offenders after at least 12 reports were made.

The reports included at least three elderly people living alone who had their windows smashed by the offenders.

Pat Youthed had rocks thrown through her windows. Photo: Geoff Sloan
Pat Youthed had rocks thrown through her windows. Photo: Geoff Sloan
One victim, a 94-year-old woman, was sitting at home watching television when a rock smashed through her lounge window.

She got up to call the police and when she was out of the lounge, a second rock came flying through the already broken window.

The woman phoned a neighbour for help and not long after the neighbour arrived, a third rock was thrown at her kitchen window, which luckily did not smash.

Residents living on Highsted, Veitches and Cavendish Rds in Bishopdale and Casebrook reported similar incidents.

Homes on Harewood Rd and Cotswold Ave were also targeted.