Gippsland › Latest news › Latrobe Local News

Neighbourhood Watch Latrobe Crimewatch News, Latrobe Police Service Area March 2014

Coming Events, NHW in Gippsland, Hot Spots, NHW Safer Communities Group Reports, Crime Prevention, Road Work Speed Limits, Thefrt From Cars, Dob in Hazelwood Arsonist, Theft by Finding.

By Malcolm Lawrence - 28th March 2014 - Back to News

Latrobe Crime Watch News

Latrobe Police Service Area

Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities

March 2014

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Emergency 000, Mobiles 112, State the service you want – Police, Ambulance or Fire.

Police:

Boolarra 5169 6222

Churchill 5122 1790

Moe 5128 1100

Morwell 5131 5000

Traralgon 5174 0900

Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000

Neighbourhood Watch

www.nhw.com.au

Neighbourhood Watch & Safer Communities Unit – Latrobe PSA, L/S/C Brett Godden 5131 5085

brett.godden@police. vic.gov.au

Facebook:

eyewatch - Latrobe Police Service Area

Newsletter Editor

erd5nhwnewsletter@ wideband.net.au

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/ latrobecrime.watch.3

Consumer Affairs

5116 5701.

Dispute Settlement Centre

1800 658 528

Latrobe City

1300 367 700

Nurse on Call

1300 606 024

Poisons Info 13 11 26

VicRoads – 131170

COMING EVENTS: OPEN INVITATION TO ALL LATROBE VALLEY RESIDENTS

Tuesday 1st April - Traralgon Town Meeting - Traralgon Police Station, Kay St, Traralgon – 7pm

Wednesday 2nd April - Morwell Town Meeting – Morwell RSL – Elgin Street, Morwell – 7pm

Monday 7th April - Moe/Newborough Town Meeting - Moe RSL – Albert Street, Moe – 7pm

Wednesday 14th May - Yallourn North Town Meeting - Monash Hall Reserve St, Yallourn North –7 pm

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH ALIVE AND KICKING IN GIPPSLAND - LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AT CRIME WATCH NEWSLETTERS

Neighbourhood Watch is alive and kicking in Eastern Region Division 5 (ERD5), which takes in the four Gippsland Local Government Areas of Latrobe City, Baw Baw Shire, Bass Coast Shire and South Gippsland Shire.

Each month the Victoria Police/ Neighbourhood Watch partnership for ERD5, publishes the four Crime Watch Newsletters, Latrobe Crime Watch News, Baw Baw Crime Watch News, Bass Coast Crime Watch News and South Gippsland Crime Watch News, which you are able to download on the Neighbourhood Watch Victoria Website atwww.nhw.com.au after clicking on the 'Eastern' drop down box on the home page and selecting your Local Government Area.

Now you can follow us on Facebook at Crime Watch Newsletters, where we now have 800+ friends.

On our site you will be the first to know when the new newsletters are published, with a link that will take you direct to your LGA's Crime Watch News page on the NHW Victoria website.

Not only will you find shares from the Eyewatch Latrobe Police Service Area and the Senior Constable Brett Facebook pages, you will find other shares and Neighbourhood Watch news, crime prevention tips and other articles of interest as we promote the Victoria Police/Neighbourhood Watch Partnership philosophy of promoting safer communities for us all to live in.

You can like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/latrobecrime.watch.3

HOT SPOT- POLICE NEEDS THE PUBLIC'S HELP THIEVES TARGET FIRE FIGHTER'S CAR

Sometime between Wednesday 5th February and Friday 7th February, unknown offender(s) accessed the victim's vehicle which was parked at the rear of the Moe Fire Station in Clifton Street. It appears access was made to the car park via Market Street.

The victim, who was away on fire fighter duties on the days mentioned above, had a LED light bar which was affixed to the front of the vehicle stolen.

Latrobe Police's Community Liaison Officer, Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden said, "It is a pretty low act when fire fighters protecting our community are targeted by thieves. We would dearly love to receive information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of the offender in this instance."

Police urge any other person who may have information related to this incidents to contact or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or at Crimestoppers on-line reporting at https://vic.crimestoppers.com.au/help-solve-crime/report-crime-information-here or ring Latrobe Criminal Investigation Unit on 5131 5000.

FEBRUARY NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/SAFER COMMUNITIES GROUP REPORTS

BOOLARRA/YINNAR DISTRICT CRIME REPORT

ASSAULTS - 2 for February (3 January) - One offender charged with intentionally cause injury whilst police are making follow up enquiries in relation to an incident in Middle Creek Rd.

ARSON - 1 for February (1 January) - Police are investigating a suspicious fire in Yinnar Rd on 9th February.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 1 for February (1 January) - Between 28th February and 1st March unknown offenders damaged a shade sail and a pool at the primary school.

THEFT - 1 for February (Nil January) - Police are investigating the possible theft of livestock from a property in Jumbuk Rd between 9th and 15th February.

CHURCHILL POLICE SERVICE AREA MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES JEERALANG)

ROBBERY - Nil for February (1 January)

ASSAULTS - 5 for February (8 January) - Three offenders charged whilst police are following up an identified suspect in relation to an incident in Amaroo Dr on 24th February.

ARSON - Nil for February (3 January)

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 9 for February (9 January) - Three offenders charged whilst police are making follow up enquiries in relation to graffiti in Georgina Pl overnight 7th February. Two letterboxes in Baranbali Crt were damaged overnight 8th February.

BURGLARY - 4 for February (5 January) - All four burglaries were on residential premise with one being on an unlocked shed. Access to two was gained via unlocked sliding doors. Police advise that houses should be locked whenever the resident is not present.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 5 for February (4 January) - All of the thefts from motor vehicle reported occurred in residential areas of Churchill. Coins, wallets and clothing featured in four of the thefts whilst tools were stolen from the rear of a ute in Monash Way overnight 10th February.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for February (4 January)

THEFT - 1 for February (3 January) - Police are investigating a theft by finding at the Leisure Centre on 14th February when an iPad was left behind. Police have spoken to someone who was nominated as a possible suspect but they have now been cleared.

MOE POLICE SERVICE AREA MEETING and CRIME REPORT

(INCLUDES NEWBOROUGH, MOE SOUTH AND HEARNS OAK)

ROBBERY - Nil for February (Nil January) - One person charged with making a false report to police.

ASSAULT - 32 for February (14 January) - Thirty offenders charged with assault related offences during February. Police are following up four identified suspects in relation to three separate incidents as well as investigating an incident where threats to kill were made via Facebook.

ARSON - 4 for February (5 January) - Two young children have been spoken to by police and CFA in relation to a fire in Hasthorpe Pl on 6th February. Police are also investigating a fire which was lit on Energy Australia land and may be part of a series which include other larger fires in the area.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 26 for February (23 January) - Nine offenders charged with property damage offences whilst police are following up three identified suspects in relation to three separate incidents. Shop windows in Fowler St were damaged overnight 21st February whilst a fence and roller door was damaged in Albert St overnight 17th February.

BURGLARY - 7 for February (4 January) - All bar one of the burglaries were committed on residential premises during February. Overnight 9th February unknown offenders broke into a shed in the grounds of Old Gippstown and stole a welder.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 7 for February (7 January) - Between 5th and 7th February a LED light bar was stolen from a vehicle at the CFA station whilst the owner was away on fire fighting duties. Overnight 5th February unknown offenders entered an unlocked vehicle in a driveway in Sherwood Crt, Newborough and stole a 1st Aid Kit, wallet, GPS and camera. .

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for February (2 January)

THEFT (OTHER) - 12 for February (10 January) - Four offenders charged with theft during February. A number of the thefts relate to phones being left on shelves, patios or tables and then being picked up by opportunistic thieves.

MORWELL POLICE SERVICE AREA MEETING and CRIME REPORT

ASSAULT - 34 for February (38 January) – Twenty-six offenders charged with assault related offences during February with three facing multiple charges from separate incidents. Police are following up eight identified suspects in relation to incidents.

ARSON - 1 for February (4 January) - Police are investigating a fire which occurred on Strzelecki Hwy on 9th February and ask anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at https://vic.crimestoppers.com.au/help-solve-crime/report-crime-information-here

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 29 for February (25 January) - Eleven offenders charged with property damage offences with another being cautioned in relation to an incident. Police are following up two identified suspects in relation to separate incidents. Two vehicles had windows smashed at Ronald Reserve on 19th February with no attempt to enter either vehicle.

BURGLARY - 12 for February (13 January) - One offender charged with burglary during February. A large number of the burglaries were committed on residential premises with the point of entry on a number being an unlocked or open window. Also unlocked residential sheds have been targeted with alcohol and tools being the main items stolen.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 6 for February (4 January) - One offender charged with theft from motor vehicle after a set of number plates were stolen. A vehicle was later intercepted bearing the stolen plates. A CB aerial was taken from a vehicle in Elgin St car park on 28th February.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 5 for February (5 January) - Three offenders charged with theft of motor vehicle during February with all except one vehicle located. At the time of publication the only outstanding vehicle is ZTY989 a 1992 Toyota Ute white in colour stolen from Mid Valley car park 02/02/14.

THEFT - 15 for February (14 January) - Two offenders charged with theft during February whilst two identified suspects are being followed up by police. Mobile phones, purses and handbags left on seats, tables or counters are still being stolen and police are asking the community to assist by being aware of their property at all times.

TRARALGON POLICE SERVICE AREA MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES TYERS, GLENGARRY, TOONGABBIE, HAZELWOOD NORTH, TRARALGON SOUTH)

ROBBERY - 2 for February (1 January) - Two offenders charged with robbery during February with another offender interviewed in relation to attempted armed robbery. Police are continuing to investigate a robbery in which a single male was assaulted by at least four others in Franklin St on 23rd February.

ASSAULT - 32 for February (27 January) – Twenty-five offenders charged with assault related offences during February. Police are also following up identified suspects in relation to three other incidents. Police are investigating an incident where shots were fired at a residence in Finlayson Cres overnight 14th February.

ARSON - 1 for February (4 January) - Overnight 9th February unknown offenders set a shirt alight in Cameron St.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 30 for February (35 January) - Fifteen offenders charged with property damage offences during February. Carriages at the railway station were targeted by vandals on three occasions during the month with tags graffitied on them. Incidents occurred overnight 11th, 12th and 28th February.

BURGLARY - 7 for February (11 January) - All the burglaries reported during February were committed on residential or rural premises. A motor bike, camping equipment and tools were stolen from a residential shed in Mc Mahon St overnight 1st February.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 9 for February (10 January) - One offender charged with attempted theft from motor vehicle. Unlocked vehicles are still being targeted by opportunistic thieves with tools, cash and GPS units the main items stolen. Police are amazed this simple message does not seem to be getting through to the public despite being repeated time and time again.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 6 for February (6 January) - All except two of the vehicles stolen during February have been recovered. At the time of publication the outstanding vehicles are a

70cc ATOMIK Motorcycle red in colour stolen 01/02/14 from Mc Mahon St; and

RXV970 a 2002 Toyota RAV4 black in colour stolen 17/02/14 from Burnet Place.

THEFT - 10 for February (18 January) - One offender charged with theft during February whilst police are following up an identified suspect in relation to a theft in Mc Donald Crt. Phones and cash being left behind by the victims are still an issue for police who ask that the community take more care with items when shopping or at parties.

YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT

ASSAULT - 1 for February (Nil January) - One offender charged with recklessly cause injury during February.

ARSON - 1 for February (1 January) - Police are investigating a suspicious fire in Howlett Rd on 23rd February.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 1 for February (3 January) - A vehicle parked in Manfa Crt was damaged overnight 15th February when it appears to have been rammed by another vehicle.

BURGLARY - 1 for February (Nil January) - Between 7th and 9th February unknown offenders forced entry to a shed in Saviges Rd and stolen a number of tools.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - Nil for February (1 January) THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for February (1 January)

Police remind the community if they see something suspicious they should ring 000 or if they have information in relation to an offence contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make an online report on the Crime Stoppers web site at https://vic.crimestoppers.com.au/help-solve-crime/report-crime-information-here

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS – PROPERTY SECURITY WHEN CAMPING

Camping is traditionally been an activity where we leave the luxuries of home behind and rough if out for a short period. Each month Latrobe Valley residents consider a short camping trip to escape town living and more recently the smoke which, although now reduced, continues to hang around in the Valley.

Unfortunately, in these modern times many people find it hard to leave their electronic devices behind as they find it essential to stay connected to the world through social networking. Of course, at the moment Latrobe Valley residents who go camping may wish to continue to monitor the smoke and fire situation at the Hazelwood mine.

To prevent your camp site from becoming a hot spot for thieves where they can find an abundance of small valuable items, when camping, leave all valuables locked inside your caravan or motor vehicle and preferably not in your tent. Definitely do not leave them in plain sight and make sure your trailers are secured and your boats properly moored. When leaving your camp site, take small electronic items with you if you are unable to secure them.

ROAD WORK SPEED LIMITS

At what point or distance after not seeing any road works or signs can it be assumed it has been forgotten to put up an 'end road work' sign and is OK to resume normal speed?

Latrobe Highway Patrol Sergeant Clint Wilson says he knows this is an issue for drivers when there is non-compliance with approved traffic management plans and causes some drivers to ignore road work speed limit signs when there are no workers on site or no "end roadwork" sign (or appears none) placed out.

Sgt Wilson says, "If a sign is erected, the speed limit (zone) is the speed indicated on that sign until the termination of the road (such as a T intersection) or another speed sign is passed."

"Secondly, if there is a road works zone that is obviously not complying with the guidelines then Vic Roads needs to know. People can ring the 131170 (24 hour hotline) and report it or if the situation is extremely dangerous ring Triple Zero (000) and ask for police to attend."

He reminds drivers they can still be booked for exceeding a posted speed limit, even if it appears the limit should no longer apply.

Police Life

Police Life is Victoria Police's official magazine.

In each edition you will find articles about police across the state, true crime stories, tales of good arrests as well as police station profiles and the latest policing initiatives.

It is published quarterly and distributed across the state and interstate to serving and former Victoria Police members, other law enforcement agencies, schools, parliamentarians, libraries, legal firms, the media, community members with an interest in policing or those looking to pursue a career in policing.

In this Autumn's edition you will find articles marking 90 years of women in policing, a tour of duty with the Critical Incident Response Team executing a high-risk search warrant, speak to recruits at the Victoria Police Academy, find out how police used the internet save a little girl and how Purana detectives tracked down drug trafficker Tony Mokbel.

Read the Autumn 2014 issue of Police Life online at http://issuu.com/policelife/docs/2687_policelife_autumn_2014_fa_web or visit your local police station to pick up a copy.

THEFTS FROM CARS – VICTIMS CONTRIBUTE THROUGH CARELESSNESS

Unlocked vehicles are still being targeted by opportunistic thieves with tools, cash and GPS units the main items stolen. Police are amazed the simple message to lock cars does not seem to get through to the public despite being repeated time and time again.

"The community must take responsibility for its own actions," says Latrobe's Police Community Liaison Officer Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden.

"We are honestly at a loss as to how to get the message through to people to lock their cars. Victims contribute to the crime through their own carelessness. LOCK YOUR CARS PEOPLE. How many times do we have to say it?"

UNI IS GOING BACK – SAFETY FOR THE UNI STUDENT

The start of March is an exciting time for our high school graduates. It marks the beginning of a new era as they head off to various universities across the state or perhaps interstate or even staying at home here in Gippsland and going to Federation University at Churchill.

It is a time of new independence, moving out of home, discovering new friends, learning how to manage budgets and learning how to balance work and social commitments at the same time as fulfilling study requirements.

And of course there are those out there who seek to exploit the innocence of our young adults who are new to the euphoria of independence and the discovery of the wider world.

Also, we cannot forget those who have already commenced their courses and who are returning for a second, third and fourth year, maybe even more.

With this in mind Victoria Police have produced the brochure, "Student Safety in Victoria."

The brochure covers topics such as Safety When Driving, Safety in Your Home, Safety on the Streets, Using ATM’s Safely, Safety at University, Safety on Public Transport and it encourages you to develop a safety plan. Here is a snap shot of the brochure:

SAFETY AT UNIVERSITY

• Know the layout of your college including safe paths and exits.
• Immediately contact a staff member if you observe anything suspicious or threatening.
• Move away from threatening behaviour.
• In a lift, stand near the control pad and get out if you feel uncomfortable.
• Do not leave valuables such as wallets, lap tops or mobile phones unattended.

SAFETY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT

• Where possible, travel in numbers or sit in the company of people rather than on your own.
• Check time tables in advance, avoid long waits at platforms, bus or tram stops, particularly at night.
• If a long wait is unavoidable, stay in well-lit areas or wait near local shops or public venues.
• Travel in the front carriage and sit close to the guard or driver. The driver has a radio and can call for emergency assistance if required.
• If you are harassed complain loudly and draw attention to yourself to advise others of your situation.
• If catching a taxi, where possible, sit in the back and take note of the driver’s details. Where possible pre-order a taxi over the phone as the driver’s details will be recorded.

THE SAFETY PLAN

• Develop a safety plan. Planning ahead may enable you to think more clearly, and provide you with the confidence to carry out the plan if things go wrong.
• Develop a network of people you can contact for assistance, such as relatives, friends, neighbours, school/ university teachers, shopkeepers and police.
• Program the emergency number 000 (zero, zero. zero) into your mobile phone.
• Tell people where you are going and what time you will return.
• Ask for help if you feel unsafe.
• Report any incident to police or college staff.

"Student Safety in Victoria may be downloaded at the Victoria Police website at: http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?a=internetBridgingPage&Media_ID=57109

ANOTHER PLEA FROM MORWELL DETECTIVES - DOB IN HAZELWOOD ARSONIST

Latrobe Valley detectives have made another plea to the public to dob in the Hazelwood arsonist.

Assisting the Arson and Explosives Squad in the investigation, Latrobe Criminal Investigation's Detective Senior Constable Jason Benbow, said "The assistance we have received from the public has been great, but we need more. We need specific information about the arsonist who lit this fire, which has severely impacted the lives of all Latrobe Valley residents, particularly those on the south side of Morwell."

D/S/C Benbow says the fire started at three ignition points about 1.30 p.m. on the Strzelecki Highway and progressed along the highway through timber plantation, before making its way into the Hazelwood mine. He says to date police have been focusing their attentions on known arsonists and there is always the fear the offender will strike again.

Arson chemists have now officially deemed the fire to be suspicious and police are looking at information that may link the Hazelwood Fire to other fires in the area.

DSC Benbow said, "This culprit is both calculating and malicious and we need more information to assist us in his or her apprehension before he or she can strike again. We believe the arsonist has local knowledge as well as a knowledge of fire behaviour.

Someone in the community knows something. We need that to come forward to police with that information. We will not give in," DSC Benbow said, "We will exhaust every avenue of enquiry until we catch this arsonist."

Members of the community who are able to assist with information regarding the identity of those involved in the Hazelwood Fire are requested to contact Detective Sergeant Alan Rumble on 51317028 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or at Crimestoppers on-line reporting at https://vic.crimestoppers.com.au/help-solve-crime/report-crime-information-here

WHAT IS THEFT BY FINDING?

Under Section 72 of the Crimes Act 1958, "A person steals if he dishonestly appropriates property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving the other of it."

It is not theft if the person believes he has a lawful right to the property, consent of the owner to have the property or if he takes reasonable steps to find the owner of the property.

Therefore, theft by finding occurs when a person finds property which has been left behind or seems abandoned and that person takes the property but fails to take reasonable steps to find its owner.

What this basically means is a person can be charged with theft by finding if he/she finds something belonging to another person and then keeps it or deals with it, such as selling, trading or giving it away, as if he/she is the owner of the property.

So, if a person finds a wallet in the street and takes the money from the wallet without trying to find the owner of the wallet despite the presence of the owner's name and address on a driver's licence in the wallet, this is theft by finding.

This also applies to money left behind in Automatic Teller Machines and in self-serve registers at supermarkets. Reasonable steps in these cases would be to hand the money into police so CCTV footage and digital records can be checked to identify the owner of the money left behind. You will be given a receipt by the police and the money/property placed through the police property book.

If after police enquiries have been made and no owner can be found, then you have a lawful claim of right to the found money/property.

There is no such rule as 'finders keepers.' If you take something (appropriate) belonging to another person, intend to keep it or give it away, thereby permanently depriving the owner of the property, this shows dishonesty and you can be charged with theft.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au