Detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad yesterday travelled to the Albury-Wodonga area as part of the ongoing investigation into two abduction and sexual assault incidents from over 30 years ago.
The first incident occurred in South Yarra in 1985, where an 18-year-old school girl was dragged into a vehicle on Bray Street about 10pm on Friday, 22 November 1985.
She was blindfolded and gagged, then taken to an unknown property and sexually assaulted before being dumped on Yarra Boulevard in Richmond some hours later.
The second incident occurred in Nunawading in 1986.
A 19-year-old woman was walking along the footpath on Ashwood Drive about 9.30pm on the night of 26 March when she was grabbed and dragged into a vehicle.
She was also blindfolded and gagged, then taken to an unknown property and sexually assaulted before being dumped on Mariana Avenue in Ringwood East around midnight.
The vehicle involved in both incidents has been described as being possibly a white or silver Holden sedan.
Both the South Yarra and Nunawading incidents have been subject to recent public appeals by investigators, who now believe they are linked.
Detectives yesterday travelled to the Albury-Wodonga area to make further enquiries in relation to the incidents, based on information that has been provided to them.
At this time no one has been arrested or charged.
A $350,000 reward is currently on offer for anyone with information about either or both of the incidents.
Police are also continuing to look for other similarly linked incidents and are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have been victim of such an incident, but never reported it to police at the time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppers.com.au
VP77883
