Latest News• Add My News • Search Old News Gippsland › Latest news › Latrobe Local NewsNeighbourhood Watch Latrobe Crimewatch News, Latrobe Police Service Area November 2013Coming Events, Hot Spots, October NHW Comunities Group Reports, Construction Site Security, Vehicle Security. Latrobe Crime Watch NewsLatrobe Police Service AreaNeighbourhood Watch Creating Safer CommunitiesNovember 2013
IMPORTANT NUMBERS Emergency 000, Mobiles 112, State the service you want – Police, Ambulance or Fire. Police: Boolarra 5169 6222, Churchill 5122 1790, Moe 5127 2222, Morwell 5131 5000 Traralgon 5174 0900 Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 Neighbourhood Watch & Safer Communities Unit – Latrobe PSA, L/S/C brett.godden@police.vic.gov.au Facebook: Senior Constable Brett Child Protection 13 12 78, Consumer Affairs 5116 5701, Dept Primary Industry 136186. Dispute Settlement Centre 1800 658 528, Nurse on Call 1300 606 024, Poisons Information 13 11 26, VicRoads 131170 COMING EVENTS: OPEN INVITATION TO ALL LATROBE VALLEY RESIDENTSWednesday 11th December - Tuesday 4th February - Traralgon Town Meeting - Traralgon Police Station, Wednesday 5th February - Morwell Town Meeting – Morwell RSL –
HOT SPOTS – POLICE NEED THE PUBLIC’S HELP LOCK IT, REMOVE IT OR LOSE IT OFFENCE TO LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE UNLOCKED In last month's October Crime Watch Newsletter we reported how police continue to be frustrated as they investigate the never-ending stream of avoidable thefts from motor vehicles. They are at a loss as to how to get the message through to people they need to lock their cars to deter the opportunistic thief. At the time of last month's publication, police reported 30 incidents of thefts from cars reported in Traralgon and nearly all incidents involved vehicles unlocked or with no signs of forced entry. With the compilation of the snap-shot crime report provided for this newsletter, for the month of October police are now reporting the incidents of theft from motor vehicle in Traralgon for the month has sky-rocketed to 41, up from the 20 reported in September. The scary part is that these statistics only reflect incidents reported to the police. How much higher the actual figure is no-one can guess. There are bound to be numerous thefts or attempted theft from motor vehicles not reported because nothing was stolen, the value of the theft was low or the complainant was simply too embarrassed to report it. Although four offenders have been charged with two facing seventeen counts of theft and five counts of attempted theft from motor vehicle, police report it is still extremely frustrating that 31 of the 41 theft from motor vehicles were committed on unlocked vehicles. It is now timely to remind the public it is actually an offence to leave your car unlocked when you park it on a road and as such we would like to draw your attention to the Road Safety Road Rules 2009. Section 213 Making a Motor Vehicle Secure (1) This rule applies to the driver of a motor vehicle who stops and leaves the vehicle on a road, except so far as the driver is exempt from this rule under subrules (7) or (8). (5) If the driver will be over 3 metres from the closest part of the vehicle and there is no-one left in the vehicle, the driver must - a) if the windows of the vehicle can be secured - secure the windows immediately before leaving the vehicle; and b) if the doors of the vehicle can be locked - lock the doors immediately after leaving the vehicle. Penalty: 3 penalty units. So what this means is that you must both wind up your windows and lock your doors when you leave your car. If police decide to start checking the roads for unlocked vehicles, you may very well be up for a costly on the spot fine, and just because you were too lazy or in too much of a hurry to lock your car. Leaving cars unlocked in car parks, on the nature strip, in the street and even in your own driveway makes the vehicle more vulnerable to theft. To prevent yourself from becoming a victim, or receiving a fine from police, follow these simple rules for the security of cars; Always lock your car before leaving it, even when you are parked in your own driveway or a car park. Do not leave loose change in the centre console of your car. It adds up very quickly. Never leave valuables where they can be seen. Items such as CDs, wallets, mobile phones, iPods, laptops or personal identification sitting out in the open in a car are a temptation to thieves. If you need to leave these items in your car place them somewhere they cannot be seen. Surreptitiously hide your property before you get out of the car because thieves may be monitoring the car park and be watching you. For crime prevention tips to prevent becoming a victim of theft from motor vehicle incident visit the Victoria Police web site at http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=9562 If you see any suspicious behaviour around cars, no matter how minor, report it immediately on 000. Police urge any other person who may have information related to these incidents to contact Crime Stoppers on: 1800 333 000 or visit: www.crimestoppers.com.au or ring Latrobe Divisional Tasking Unit on 5131 5000.
MESSAGE FROM INSPECTOR MICK WEST – LATROBE INSPECTOR REPORT SUSPICIOUS ARSON ACTIVITY IN THE BUSH GIPPSLAND ARSON PREVENTION PROGRAM (GAPP) The impact bushfires can have on the community can be devastating, as we all witnessed here in Gippsland in 2009 with the Delburn and Churchill complexes of fires. The potential to injure, kill, cause significant financial loss, and destroy property as well as the environment cannot be underestimated. Gippsland emergency services are prepared for the coming bushfire season, but we need the assistance of the public in identifying and combating the causes of bushfires, both accidental and deliberate. Local police and employees from our partner agencies in the Gippsland Arson Protection Program (GAPP) are on the lookout for suspicious behaviour in our bush and will be patrolling areas which arsonists may be targeting. As always, we are aiming to reduce the incidence and impact of bushfire arson across Gippsland this summer. Members of the public also have a role in ensuring community safety during every bushfire season. Be alert and if you see something, know something, then say something. The following link will take you to our November 2012 GAPP special Edition Crime Watch Newsletter which is just as relevant today as it was 12 months ago http://www.nhw.com.au/Eastern-Region/Latrobe/Crime-Watch-Newsletters/2012-Latrobe-Crime-Watch-Newsletters Also attached to this newsletter you will find our GAPP Suspicious Incident Report. Remember to keep it handy in the car or on the refrigerator. Makes notes on what you see and ring 000 if you believe what you are witnessing is someone lighting a fire or is suspicious behaviour.
OCTOBER NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/SAFER COMMUNITIES GROUP REPORTS BOOLARRA/YINNAR DISTRICT CRIME REPORT ASSAULTS - 2 for October (1 September) - In both incidents an offender has been charged with assault related offences. ARSON September - 1 for October (Nil previous month) - The only arson incident was a stolen vehicle recovered burnt out. BURGLARY September - 1 for October (1 previous month) - Overnight 17th October unknown persons attempted to break into the milk bar in THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 1 for October (1 September) - Between 6th and 11th October a white Sportscraft Half cab boat was stolen from a camping area on THEFT - 1 for October (Nil September) - A number of camping items were stolen when the above mentioned boat was taken. CHURCHILL POLICE SERVICE AREA MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES JEERALANG) ASSAULTS - 8 for October (3 September) - In all incidents an offender has been charged with assault related offences. PROPERTY DAMAGE - 6 for October (5 September) - Three offenders charged whilst police are following up identified suspects in relation to graffiti at the skate park. Overnight 10th October the cricket club had a window smashed however it appears no entry was gained. BURGLARY - 4 for October (3 September) - Police are following up two identified suspects in relation to two burglaries. Between 27th September and 27th October unknown persons entered a residence in THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for October (7 September) - Both thefts occurred in residential driveways with a toy boat stolen from an unlocked vehicle in Latter Gr on 10th October whilst a GPS unit was stolen from an unlocked vehicle in a driveway in Walker Pde. There were two attempted thefts in THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for October (1 September) - One vehicle has been recovered. At the time of publication the outstanding vehicle is XMS003 a 2006 Holden sedan white in colour stolen 25/10/13 from THEFT - 3 for October (1 September) - One offender charged whilst police are following up an identified suspect. On 17th October a length of hose was stolen from the front yard of a residence in
MOE POLICE SERVICE AREA MEETING and CRIME REPORT ROBBERY - Nil for October (1 September) ASSAULT - 14 for October (15 September) - In all incidents an offender was charged with assault related offences with some facing multiple charges. ARSON - 2 for October (Nil September) - Overnight 10th October, unknown persons set paper alight under a vehicle in the front yard of a residence in PROPERTY DAMAGE - 15 for October (22 September) - Six offenders charged. Police are making follow up enquiries in relation to a suspect for damage at a family restaurant on 18th October. Overnight 5th October a vehicle and door were damaged at two separate residences in BURGLARY - 11 for October (7 September) - A large number of the burglaries were committed on residential garages with nearly all unlocked. The residences were located in Moffat St, Mena St, THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 6 for October (4 September) - Two of the thefts involved registration plates stolen from vehicles in https://www.facebook.com/eyewatchlatrobepsa#!/eyewatchlatrobepsa (posted 08/10/13.) THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 1 for October (Nil September) - The only vehicle stolen during October was recovered. THEFT (OTHER) - 10 for October (10 September) - One offender charged with theft whilst another was charged with theft by finding. A medical centre in ISSUES RAISED AT THE JOINT EYEWATCH VIRTUAL/PHYSICAL NOVEMBER MEETING NHW MEETING: Discussions on the ICE and Alcohol Forums, the use of vespers and mopeds on highways, theft of copper, legality of guide dogs in shops, road toll in the Valley, the police Christmas concert – no allocation of tickets for NHW. Issues Raised 'LANK' graffiti tag appearing in Newborough – please report information to Crimestoppers. People door knocking elderly residents in the early hours of the morning in
MORWELL POLICE SERVICE AREA MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES TYERS) ASSAULT - 27 for October (28 September) - In all except two incidents an offender was charged. In the two incidents where an offender has not been charged police are following up identified suspects. ARSON - Nil for October (1 September) PROPERTY DAMAGE - 13 for Oct (29 Sept) - Nine offenders charged. A tyre was slashed and panels damaged on a vehicle in BURGLARY - 6 for October (17 September) - All except one of the burglaries were committed on residential premises with three on garages. Two of the garages were unlocked with a vehicle badge, clocks, tools, signs and cash stolen. Burglaries were committed in Rowell St, Hambleton Slope, THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 8 for October (3 September) - Five of the thefts were committed in residential driveways with two involving the theft of a full set of registration plates. One set has since been recovered with a suspect to be interviewed. Overnight 5th October unknown persons removed all seats from a vehicle in a car yard on THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 4 for October (4 September) - Three of the vehicles stolen during October have been recovered. The only vehicle outstanding at the time of publication is OEE533 a 1997 Hyundai THEFT - 16 for October (9 September) - Three offenders charged. Police are following up suspects in relation to a theft at Mid Valley who were identified as a result of information received via the Eyewatch Latrobe Facebook page. ISSUES RAISED AT THE JOINT EYEWATCH VIRTUAL/PHYSICAL NOVEMBER NHW MEETING: Discussions on the theft of copper, the police Christmas concert – no allocation of tickets for NHW, the new structure of NHW in the Latrobe Valley ie whole town meetings versus the small street by street areas, the difference between a burglary and theft compared to a straight theft, NHW coordinator to attend the Hazelwood Jeeralang Community Association meeting, the Gippsland Arson Prevention Program and reporting suspicious behaviour in the bush.
TRARALGON POLICE SERVICE AREA MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES GLENGARRY, TOONGABBIE, HAZELWOOD NORTH, TRARALGON SOUTH) ROBBERY - 3 for October (2 September) - One offender charged with armed robbery whilst two others were charged with the lesser offence of robbery. ASSAULT - 18 for October (29 September) - In all incidents and offender/s were charged. ARSON - 1 for October (2 September) - The only arson was a criminal damage to a vehicle in PROPERTY DAMAGE - 17 for October (32 September) - Eight offenders charged. Overnight 26th October unknown person/s sprayed "SLAK" on a train in a yard in Traralgon. The tag has been appearing in various locations in the Latrobe area. A photo can be viewed at Eyewatch Latrobe at https://www.facebook.com/eyewatchlatrobepsa#!/eyewatchlatrobepsa (posted 27/10/13.) BURGLARY - 23 for October (12 September) - A number of the burglaries appear to be part of a series committed in and around THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 41 for October (20 Sept) - Four offenders charged with two facing 17 counts of theft and five counts of attempted theft from motor vehicle. It is still extremely frustrating to police that on thirty one occasions the vehicle was left unlocked. In one incident the victim was away from the vehicle for 30 minutes and had his wallet and phone stolen. THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for October (Nil September) - Two offenders charged with theft of motor vehicle during October with both vehicles recovered. THEFT - 11 for October (13 September) - Overnight 7th October unknown offenders stole copper cabling from ISSUES RAISED AT THE JOINT EYEWATCH VIRTUAL/PHYSICAL NOVEMBER NHW MEETING: Discussions on the theft of copper, the police Christmas concert – no allocation of tickets for NHW, NHW coordinator to attend the November Glengarry Community Association meeting, Latrobe Valley road toll, are strategies being implemented locally to target domestic violence – in the near future we hope to have the OIC of the Family Violence Unit attend a meeting; the number of theft from motor cars in Traralgon.
YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT The next Yallourn North Neighbourhood Watch Town Meeting will be on Wednesday 11th December at the ASSAULT - Nil for October (1 September) BURGLARY - 1 for October (Nil September) - Between 5th and 10th October unknown persons attempted to gain entry to the pistol club in HOT SPOTS – POLICE NEED THE PUBLIC’S HELP - CONSTRUCTION SITE SECURITY Building site thefts and damages are ongoing issues for police and are continually represented in our monthly crime reports. The cost to the wider community, including business owners, owner-builders and insurance companies is huge. It is easy and convenient for a tradespeople to leave their tools on site overnight or over the weekend once a building gets to lock- up, but if the premises or on-site shed does not have adequate security, the chances of becoming a victim increases dramatically. Thieves target building sites for building materials and household items such as timber and roof tiles, hot water systems and air conditioning units, kitchen appliances like ovens and stove tops, kitchen fittings such as cupboards and range hoods, bathroom fittings, windows and doors, landscaping tools and items like pavers and plants. By extension, tools and equipment being stolen out of tradies' utes is also a major issue. Tightening your personal and business security you will lower your chances of becoming a victim. There are many ways to safeguard your property and prevent your tools, building equipment and delivered household items from being stolen by burglars and thieves who prey on inadequately secured construction site and tradies' vehicles.
RECORD AND REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY Record and report suspicious activity including people loitering around vehicles, trailers and construction sites. Record descriptions such as height, build, sex, clothing, distinctive features such as tattoos, vehicle details such as registration number, colour, make and model. Report the suspicious behaviour to police by ringing 000 immediately. If you don't report it, at least write down your suspicions so that if anything happens you have the information at your fingertips. Report any thefts or damages immediately to police. Police urge anyone who may have information related to building site thefts to contact Crime Stoppers on: 1800 333 000 or visit: https://vic.crimestoppers.com.au/help-solve-crime/report-crime-information-here
EASTERN REGION DIVISION 5 POLICE CHRISTMAS CONCERT INVITATIONS FOR NHW VOLUNTEERS TO ATTEND WILL BE CONSIDERED ON REQUEST The Eastern Region Division 5 Police Showband and Pipe Band Christmas Concert is being held on Tuesday 10th December, 2013, at Kernot Hall, This will be the last time the Police Showband (and possibly the Pipe Band) will perform in our police region. The free concert is run by the region's Crime Prevention Officer, Leading Senior Constable David Halliday for Eastern Region Division 5 and it's a thankyou concert from the Superintendent. Any Neighbourhood Watch Volunteer who wishes to attend this concert is encouraged to contact Leading Senior Constable David Halliday direct on 5131 5084 or email him at david.halliday@police.vic.gov.au THIS SUMMER STAY SAFE ON THE ROAD A MESSAGE FROM Victoria Police this week launched the Summer Stay road enforcement campaign urging road users to stay safe on our roads or face a long stay off the road this summer. Police will be saturating the state’s roads in a two-month blitz running from 15 November to 5 January to reduce road trauma over the high risk holiday season. Road users can expect to be breath-tested, drug-tested and speed checked across the state during four separate operations targeting the fatal five behaviours which are known causes of road trauma. Speed, impaired driving, fatigue, driver distraction and seatbelt offences will be the focus of the campaign which begins on 15 November with Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers). Operation RAID will be followed by Operations Break Up, Crossroads and Fresh Start with police out on the roads day and night, weekdays and weekends. Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill said everyone needed to keep the focus on road safety to continue to reduce road trauma. "Although we currently have the lowest road toll on record, we can’t become complacent. This is why we will have police saturating the roads and concentrating on those behaviours which are known to contribute to road trauma," AC Hill said. "The festive season should be about spending time with family and friends and enjoying your time off work. No one wants to be spending their holidays visiting loved ones in hospital or arranging funerals, but unfortunately for some this will be a reality." "This is not a reality that I’m willing to accept and that’s why Victoria Police is doing everything we can to combat road trauma this summer. Expect to have your car scanned and photographed, expect to be breath-tested and drug-tested and know that if you are doing the wrong thing on the roads you will be caught." "I’m asking all road users to make a commitment this summer to stay alert, stay sober, stay within the safe speed and stay alive." This story comes from Sergeant Sharon Darcy at Victoria Police Media and the full message may be viewed at http://www.vicpolicenews.com.au/news/1857-this-summer-stay-safe-on-the-road.html Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au
Related Articles
|
|
 | Baw Baw |  | Bass Coast |  | Cardinia |  | East Gippsland |  | Latrobe City |  | South Gippsland |  | Wellington |
|
© 2001-2025 gippsland.com
Print this page |
Subscribe to Newsletter |
Feedback / Inquiries |
Login |
Care has been taken in compiling the component parts of this website. However, Gippsland.com does not warrant or represent that the website is free from errors or omissions, that the qualifications claimed by an advertiser are valid or that the published details of any advertiser are as stated on the website. Please review the full statement of our Terms and Conditions of Service and disclaimer.