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Latrobe Crime Watch News Letter Latrobe Police Service Area May 2012

Coming Events, Police Concert and Pipe Band Tickets, Hot Spots-Police Need Publics Help, Crime reports for Moe/Newborough, Traralgon, Churchill/Yinnar, Morwell.

By Malcolm Lawrence - 16th May 2012 - Back to News

Latrobe Crime Watch News

Latrobe Police Service Area

Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities

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, 5131 5085, 0400 050 749.

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, Latrobe City 1300 367 700.

Nurse on Call 1300 606 024, Poisons Information 13 11 26,

VicRoads 131170

COMING EVENTS: OPEN INVITATION TO ALL LATROBE VALLEY RESIDENTS

Wednesday 27th May 2011 – Churchill Town/CDCA Meeting - Churchill Community Hall - 7 pm

Tuesday 5th June 2012 – Traralgon Town Meeting - Traralgon Police Station, Kay St, Traralgon – 7pm

Wednesday 6th June 2012 – Morwell Town Meeting – Morwell RSL – Elgin Street, Morwell – 7pm

Wednesday 6th June 2012 - Yallourn North Town Meeting–Yallourn North Bowling Club–7.30 pm

Monday 4th June 2012 – Moe/Newborough Town Meeting – Moe RSL – Albert Street, Moe – 7pm

Wednesday 13th June - Annual NHW Police Showband And Pipe Band Concert – Kernot Hall Morwell – 7pm

Thursday 21st June 2012 - Yinnar Town Meeting - Yinnar Hotel – 7.30 pm

HOT SPOTS – POLICE NEED THE PUBLIC’S HELP

RAPE AT TRARALGON

On Sunday 22/04/12, the female victim attended at Inferno Nightclub in Traralgon. The victim left the nightclub at approximately 4 am and was walking to her vehicle with three friends when they were approached by a male. They recognised him from inside the club and knew him only as ‘Matt’ from Kew.

The male asked the victim if she would like to go with him to his parent’s home in Traralgon. She agreed to accompany him despite her friends’ objections.

The victim and the male have walked across Kay Street then into the grounds of Grey St Primary School. The male has led the victim to a secluded quadrangle area of school where the rape has occurred.

Police urge anyone who may have information related to this incident to contact Crime Stoppers on: 1800 333 000 or visit: www.crimestoppers.com.au or ring Detective Senior Constable Condron at Morwell Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigative Teams (SOCIT), on 5131 5089.

ANNUAL NHW POLICE SHOWBAND AND PIPE BAND CONCERT

TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE

The extremely popular annual Neighbourhood Watch Police Showband and Police Pipe Band Concert is on again at Kernot Hall, Morwell on Wednesday June 13th, commencing at 7.30 pm. Doors will open at 7.00 pm.

Tickets cost $7.00 per head, which includes a light supper at interval provided by Morwell Lions Club.

Each year the crowd is bigger and more diverse, with people trying to book for the next concert as they leave after a highly entertaining evening. The bands cater to all ages from big band arrangements to the ever popular finale of the AC/DC classic "Long Way to Top The Top" featuring both bands.

Neighbourhood Watch would like to thank the Lions Club of Morwell who always assists with catering on the night, feeding the bands and providing a light supper at interval. We would also like to thank Latrobe City for their support of this event as well as the continued support of TRUenergy, Pazzazz Printing, Workways, Morwell RSL, and GEST.

Tickets can be obtained through your local Neighbourhood Watch volunteer or by contacting:

Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden on 5131 5085 or 0400 050 749 or on email brett.godden@police.vic.gov.au. Stan Wright - 5134 3373 or 0407 862 825 or email our newsletter editor Dianne Godden at erd5nhwnewsletter@wideband.net.au

APRIL NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/SAFER COMMUNITIES GROUP REPORTS

BOOLARRA/YINNAR DISTRICT CRIME REPORT

ASSAULTS - 1 for April (3 March) - One offender charged as the result of a family violence incident.

ARSON - 1 for April (Nil March) - The arson was a burnt out stolen vehicle.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 1 for April (3 March)- One offender charged with threats to destroy/damage property as a result of a family violence incident.

BURGLARY - 4 for April (1 March) - One offender charged. Rural sheds were entered with a ride on mower, generator, chainsaw and hand tools stolen from sheds in Fox and Fanckes and Livingstone Roads. A black Dingo Auger driver and attachments were stolen from a property in Yinnar-Driffield Rd overnight 12th April.

THEFT - Nil for April (1 March)

CHURCHILL and DISTRICT MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES JEERALANG)

ISSUES APRIL – Nil

SEX OFFENCES - Police are investigating a sexual assault that occurred on 23rd April in Amaroo Dr.

ASSAULTS - 5 for April (5 March) - Three offenders charged with all the result of family violence. Police are making enquiries about an assault near Churinga Dr on 3rd April where a male was assaulted by three others attempting to steal a mobile phone.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 8 for April (4 March) - One offender charged as the result of a family violence incident. A dark blue 2002 Ford Focus 4 door hatch with mag wheels is being sought by police as a result of damage caused to the Churchill Soccer Club ground when the vehicle was seen doing burnouts.

BURGLARY - 1 for April (Nil March) - A washing machine was stolen from a premises in Churinga Dr sometime between 22nd and 24th April. A TV was also been removed from the residence but was left behind by the unknown offenders.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 1 for April (Nil March) - A GPS Unit and fuel card were stolen from an unlocked vehicle parked in a residential driveway in McLean Ave overnight 14th April.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 1 for April (Nil March) - A 4 wheel quad bike was stolen from a farm shed in Tramway Rd sometime between 3rd and 4th April. Although unregistered the quad bike displays REX931.

THEFT - 2 for April (2 March) - One offender charged. A letterbox was stolen from a residential address in Illawonga Crt.

ISSUES RAISED MAY – Meeting not held at time of publishing.

MORWELL MEETING and CRIME REPORT(INCLUDES TYERS)

PREVIOUS ISSUES - Cars parked on the nature strip – Report to Latrobe City for attention of By-Laws Officers.

SEX OFFENCES - One offender charged with indecent assault during April.

ROBBERY - 1 for April (Nil March) - One offender charged with robbery during April.

ASSAULT - 22 for April (26 March) - 22 offenders charged with some offenders facing multiple charges. The only two incidents where offenders were not charged involved threats to kill being made to the victims via notes left at residences.

ARSON - 1 for April (1 March) - Overnight on 15th April three bins were set alight by unknown offenders in Rintoull St and may be tied to other offences which occurred previously.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 21 for April (38 March) - Three offenders charged. Offences were spread across the town with graffiti and damage to windows being the most predominant offences.

BURGLARY - 25 for April (16 March) - Burglaries were spread between industrial, shopping and residential areas. Morwell Park Primary School was entered with a large amount of damage being done to computers. Most access to residential premises was through rear or concealed windows, which were forced.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 11 for April (18 March) - Two offenders charged. Two sets of number plates were stolen with one set used in a petrol drive off not long after being stolen. A fire extinguisher, fishing rods and tools were stolen from the rear of utilities parked in the street or driveways. Police remind the public not to leave items unsecured in the rear of utes.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 5 for April (4 March) - All vehicles located and returned to the owners.

THEFT - 13 for April (18 March) - Police are following up suspects in relation to two of the thefts. There were two petrol drive offs with one incident involving stolen number plates. Three trailers were stolen with only one recovered. A wallet, mobile phone and a statue are amongst the other items stolen.

ISSUES RAISED MAY – Nil

MOE/NEWBOROUGH MEETING and CRIME REPORT

PREVIOUS ISSUES – Nil

SEX OFFENCES - Police are making follow up investigations in relation to an indecent assault.

ROBBERY - 1 for April (1 March) - One offender charged with armed robbery and blackmail.

ASSAULT - 24 for April (18 March) - 21 offenders charged with one offender facing six charges from two separate incidents. 17 incidents came to notice as a result of family violence. Police are making enquiries about an incident of conduct endangering life when a bin was thrown from the Fowler St overpass onto the freeway overnight 10th April.

ARSON - 1 for April (1 March) - A skip bin located at the rear of Harvey Norman was set alight overnight 15th April. This is the third time in the past six months that a similar incident has occurred.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 46 for April (28 March) - 12 offenders charged. Overnight 7th/8th April there were eight incidents which involved the tyres of vehicles being slashed or popped by unknown objects in the Boolarra Ave, Trent St, Newark Ave area. There were further incidents in High St/Pruden St area overnight 1st April

BURGLARY - 8 for April (9 March) - The majority were committed on residential sheds or garages with tools, CD’s and alcohol the main items stolen. A shed at the Moe Golf Club was entered when offenders cut the padlock stealing clubs and a golf buggy. The Blue Rock Motocross Club sheds were entered in a similar fashion around 1st April with a fuel can and clothing stolen.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 9 for April (11 March) - Most were in residential areas with two sets of number plates stolen overnight 10th April. Both sets were recovered and police are following up a suspect. A window was smashed on a vehicle in Railway Cres and a GPS Unit stolen around the same time that a number of vehicles had tyres slashed.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 3 for April (5 March) - One offender charged. All three vehicles have been recovered.

THEFT (OTHER) - 12 for April (19 March) - One offender charged. A number of sports bags were stolen from the Moe Football Club on 19th April whilst the players were upstairs at a function. Some of the property was recovered. A hen and two rabbits were stolen from the animal enclosure at South St Primary around 1st April.

ISSUES RAISED MAY – Nil

TRARALGON MEETING and CRIME REPORT

(INCLUDES GLENGARRY, TOONGABBIE, HAZELWOOD NORTH, TRARALGON SOUTH)

PREVIOUS ISSUES – Nil.

SEX OFFENCES - Police are investigating a rape that occurred on 22nd April.

ROBBERY - 2 for April (2 March) - One offender charged with two attempted armed robberies.

ASSAULT - 26 for April (28 March) - 22 offenders charged with 10 incidents the result of family violence. Five of the incidents were drunken altercations in Kay Street.

ARSON - 2 for April (2 March) - One offender charged after an incident in Newman Park. A Veolia skip bin with renovating debris was set alight destroying the lid and police are making follow up enquiries.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 47 for April (49 March) - Nine offenders charged. Overnight 19th April three damages were committed in Eton Rd with a window smashed, garden stakes and plants damaged. Windows at the Bridge Club and showgrounds building were damaged after rocks and a fire post were thrown at or through them.

BURGLARY - 16 for April (25 March) - Two offenders charged with one offender facing two counts. The Glengarry Football Club and the Toongabbie Golf Club were both entered by offenders smashing windows however it appears that nothing was stolen.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 28 for April (22 March) - One offender charged. Most occurred in residential areas with 13 left unlocked. There were 14 incidents with cash, coins, a wallet or purse were stolen. Seven incidents involved the theft of GPS units whilst sunglasses, bathroom equipment, a fire extinguisher and a camera make up some of the other items stolen.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 4 for April (3 March) - Two were recovered. Three motor bikes were stolen from a rural property in Francis Rd Glengarry overnight 8th April whilst QVG577 a 1988 Range Rover Blue in colour was stolen from Ryeburn Close overnight 20th April. The three bikes and rover are yet to be recovered.

THEFT - 12 for April (18 March) - Two offenders charged. Cash and mobile phones are still the most common items stolen or taken when left behind.

ISSUES RAISED MAY – Nil

YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT

PREVIOUS ISSUES – Graffiti in the disabled toilet at Lions Park – reported online to Latrobe City.

ASSAULT - 1 for April (1 March) - A male was assaulted by a group of males from a nearby address in Low Rd on 22nd April.

ARSON - Nil for April (1 March) PROPERTY DAMAGE - Nil for April (2 March)

BURGLARY - Nil for April (2 March) THEFT (OTHER) - Nil for April (1 March)

MAY ISSUES - Nil.

To contact our editor or to subscribe to our Crime Watch Newsletters, Latrobe, Baw Baw, Bass Coast or South Gippsland Crime Watch News, send an email to erd5nhwnewsletter@wideband.net.au To read past editions go to http://www.nhw.com.au/Eastern-Region/Latrobe and click Newsletters.

OUTSTANDING STOLEN VEHICLES - REPORT THE LOCATION OF THESE VEHICLES TO POLICE

If you see a vehicle being stolen or dumped, call 000 immediately and ask for police..

If you know where a vehicle may be located contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit: www.crimestoppers.com.au

POLICE ADVISE THAT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE YOU TO APPROACH THE OFFENDERS. INSTEAD CALL POLICE ON 000.

NEXT MONTH’S NHW/SAFER COMMUNITY GROUP PRESENTATION

IDENTIFYING SCAMS AND REPORTING THEM

June’s presentation by our NHW Coordinator, Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden, will be on identifying scams, how to report them to Scam Watch and in what instances you report them to police.

LSC Godden invites all interested members of the Latrobe community to attend their local town meeting. Dates appear on the front of this newsletter. To arrange for this topic to be presented to your community group contact Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden on 5131 5085 or 0400 050 749.

WEST AND SOUTH GIPPSLAND’S POLICE PROACTIVE UNIT

The Latrobe local government area is serviced by the Eastern Police Region Division 5’s Safer Community Unit (SCU) based at Morwell Police HQ. The SCU houses the Division’s Community Liaison Officer and Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator L/S/C Brett Godden; the Family Violence Advisor Sergeant Derryn Riccardo; the Crime Prevention Officer L/S/C David Halliday and the Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Laurie Marks (pictured left to right.) The SCU was added to recently when it was joined by the new Family Violence Unit.

The SCU is the proactive arm of the region’s police and addresses general community safety and public engagement. Members are available to address meetings on a large variety of topics free of charge. Topics members will speak on include Neighbourhood Watch, community safety, family violence, personal safety, crime prevention, combatting graffiti, traffic safety, drink driving, hoon driving, motorised mobility devices, Indigenous and multi-cultural relations to name a few. If you have a topic you would like addressed the SCU can assist you.

Members will set up displays for community events such as community celebrations, expos, fairs and fetes. They will also conduct property engraving at events, in homes or in schools such as bicycle engraving. They will assist vehicle owners by replacing their standard number plate screws with one-way safety screws which prevent the theft of number plates. Each set of screws cost the owner a gold coin donation.

The SCU will speak to organisations such as Lions and Apex clubs, multi-cultural communities, education groups from kindergartens to schools to university groups, and to sporting and social groups such as football clubs and scouts.

To arrange for members from the SCU to speak to your group or attend your event contact Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden on 5131 5085 or 0400 050 749.

ELDERLY DRIVERS – IS IT TIME TO SURRENDER YOUR LICENCE?

Over the last few months there have been a number of car accidents in Gippsland, some serious, involving elderly drivers. It is therefore timely we address the issue of when our elderly citizens should consider cutting back their driving or make the difficult decision to surrender their Drivers’ Licences.

As we progress through the decades it is a natural part of the aging process for the body to slow down in agility, thought processes and reflexes, not to mention the deterioration of our eyesight. Also, it can be difficult for the elderly to maintain independence due to isolation of location and lack of access to limited or non-existent public transport. This can be compounded by the absence of a network of family or friends.

When driving, practice is the only way to maintain competent driving skills and this in turn leads to safe driving. As we slow down we tend to drive less and it is natural that our driving skills fall off. But we make the mistake of thinking that because we have been driving for 40, 50 or in some cases 60 years, we are experienced and competent drivers. But experience does not automatically equate to continued competency.

What everyone needs to remember is: Driving is not a right, it is a privilege. What is a right is for others to expect to be able to drive safely on the road without fear of being placed in danger by those who no longer have the reflexes or the quickness of mind to be able to make decisions or take evasive action.

VicRoads can require you to take a Review Driving Test on receipt of a medical report or a report from police or concerned family or community members. It can require you to undertake up to three tests at no cost to you. Tests usually commence from your home and you will be asked to drive to the places you usually go.

After the review test one of the following scenarios will occur.

a) If you reached standard you will retain a full licence or be offered a restricted or conditional licence (ie can only drive during the day, may only drive to and from the shopping centre.)

b) If you did not reach standard your licence will be suspended and a further retest booked in 4-6 weeks’ time. At this time you can only drive with a fully licensed accompanying driver (for 6 weeks only in your local area).

c) After a second review driving test: If you reached standard you will retain a full licence or be offered a restricted or conditional licence.

d) If you don’t reach standard you will be issued with a conditional permit and can only drive with an accredited driving instructor, who will will complete an assessment sheet to be sent to Vic Roads Medical Review to determine your driving skills and abilities which will hopefully see you sit a successful licence test.

e) A further retest is booked in 4-6 weeks’ time.

f) After a third review driving test if you reached standard you will retain your full, restricted or conditional licence.

g) If you did not reach standard an Occupational Therapist Test is required. All costs for this test must be met by the the driver being retested.

In considering whether or not you should retain the privilege to drive, drivers should consider the following:

Be honest, ask yourself "Am I a safe driver?" and "Am I a danger to others when I drive?"

Complete VicRoads ‘Elderly Driver Check List’ which asks questions about your driving such as "Do you find it harder to see at twilight than you used to?" (Attached to the emailed electronic newsletter.)

Has your medical condition made tasks difficult for you to complete in your own home? If the answer is "Yes" then it may also apply to your ability to drive.

Must I really drive or do I have other modes of getting around ie: public transport, family friends, motorised mobility device?

Is it time to consider purchasing a motorised mobility device?

If you live too far from services, is it time to consider selling your home and moving into town where services and transport exists and shops are easily accessible?

Don’t wait until police or a VicRoads Officer comes knocking on your door and take the decision out of your hands. Your decision to continue to drive may result in injury or death to others. Be honest with yourself and remain safe.

For more information on Review Driving Licence Tests ring VicRoads on 13 11 71, RACV on 13 72 28 or follow these links:

VicRoads Your Driving Review Test http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Licences/MedicalConditions/Yourreviewdrivingtest.htm#

VicRoads Older Driver Handbook: http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Licences/Handbooks/Older+drivers.htm

RACV: Years Ahead Brochure: http://www.racv.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/00ef58804da9aa5ea4ddfc54a1b45993/years+ahead+brochure-jul07_.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=00ef58804da9aa5ea4ddfc54a1b45993

HOT SPOTS – LATROBE’S POLICE NEED THE PUBLIC’S HELP

VEHICLE CAUSES SOCCER PITCH DAMAGE

Police are appealing to the public to help identify the driver of a vehicle seen doing burnouts on the pitch of the Churchill Soccer Ground at approximately 12.45 pm on Thursday 26th April.

The driver of the vehicle has caused significant damage to the match area, which will need to be repaired before any games can be played.

A club representative attempted to block the vehicle in, however a confrontation ensued with the vehicle departing via another exit onto Tramway Rd in the direction of Traralgon.

The vehicle involved has been described as a dark blue 2002 Ford Focus 4 door hatch with mag wheels and tinted windows, similar to the vehicle pictured above.

THROWN WHEELIE BIN ENDANGERS LIFE

Police are making enquiries about an incident of conduct endangering life when a wheelie bin was thrown from the Fowler St overpass in Moe onto the freeway at approximately 10.30 pm on Tuesday 10th April.

The victim was travelling east towards Morwell, when a recycling bin was dropped from the overpass onto the freeway.

The vehicle was unable to avoid hitting the wheelie bin and did so at approximately 100 km/h causing damage to the vehicle.

The victim did not receive any injuries but was in shock after the incident. However, this extremely dangerous practice could result in serious injury or loss of life.

Three police units were tasked to search for the offenders who were described as: Three adolescent males, one wearing a red top and jeans. There is no description of the other offenders.

SECURE PROPERTY IN UTE TRAYS

Recently in Latrobe there have been multiple incidents of theft from motor vehicles where the property stolen was left un-secured in the trays of utilities.

Professional thieves take less than 60 seconds to break into most cars and steal them or the property that is often in plain sight. The time is reduced when the property is unsecured and is easily accessible in the trays of utilities.

The opportunistic thief, such as the one walking past your car when it is parked in the street, will not hesitate when it is as simple as reaching into the tray and walking on with your property in his or her hands. They will do this or note the location of your vehicle and return later, usually after dark, to commit their theft. When they return they will often do it with another person or in a vehicle of their own so they can steal more of your property.

To lessen the chances of property being stolen from your ute;

• Park off the street and in a well-lit area at night.
• When parking your vehicle avoid parking too close to walls, high fences or vegetation, which might provide cover for the thief.
• Remove property from the tray and secure it in the cab or other location. At the very least cover property with a canvas tarpaulin.
• Preferably install a lockable fixed canopy or tool box to the tray, making sure they are locked when you are not with the vehicle.
• Consider marking or engraving your tools/property with the letter ‘V’ for ‘Victoria’ and your driver’s licence number.
• Do not hide your valuables upon arrival as thieves could be monitoring the area. Place handbags/ wallets/GPS Units etc out of sight prior to parking.
• Do not leave loose change within view as thieves damage vehicles to steal small amounts of money.

Police urge any person who may have information related to any of these incidents to contact Crime Stoppers on: 1800 333 000 or visit: www.crimestoppers.com.au or ring Latrobe Criminal Investigation Unit on 5131 5049 or local stations on: Boolarra 5169 6222; Churchill 5122 1790; Moe 5127 2222; Morwell 5131 5000 or Traralgon 5174 0900.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au

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