Detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad will today hold an information caravan in South Yarra and Richmond as part of the ongoing investigation into a 1985 abduction and sexual assault in South Yarra.
The caravan will be in Yarra Boulevard, Richmond between 10am and 12pm (midday), then on Bray Street, South Yarra between 1pm and 3pm.
Police are encouraging anyone who has information about the incident to visit the caravan and speak to investigators.
On Sunday, 14 April police issued a renewed appeal into the incident including the announcement of a $350,000 reward.
They also released a re-creation of the female victim being grabbed off the street and thrown into a vehicle by the offenders in the hope it will jog the memory of any witnesses from the time.
An 18-year-old school girl was walking along Chapel Street, South Yarra after 10pm on the night of Friday 22 November, 1985.
She had a part-time job selling flowers to restaurants and was working that night.
Sometime after 10pm she was approached by a man who threatened her and pulled her towards a car with another man inside on Bray Street.
The victim put up a fight and struggled, however she was thrown into the vehicle where she was bound, gagged and blindfolded.
She was then driven to an unknown property where she was seriously sexually assaulted over a number of hours whilst still blindfolded.
It's believed at least three men were involved in the sexual assaults.
The victim was then driven to Yarra Boulevard in Richmond, where she was dumped some time around 1am on Saturday, 23 November.
She was able to make her way to a nearby house and the resident helped her call police.
Sadly, the victim passed away in November 2008.
Sexual Crimes Squad detectives commenced a review of the case in 2017, which led to the investigation being re-opened.
A reward of up to $350,000 will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the abduction and sexual assault.
In appropriate cases, the Director of Public Prosecutions may consider, according to established guidelines, the granting of indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in this matter.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppers.com.au
