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Neighbourhood Watch Latrobe Crimewatch News, Latrobe Police Service Area June 2013

Coming Events, Hot Spots, New Police Superintendant, Sexting, Scam Watch, Neighbourhood Watch Area Group Reports.

By Malcolm Lawrence - 24th June 2013 - Back to News

Latrobe Crime Watch News

Latrobe Police Service Area

Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities

June 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, 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

Wed 22nd June - Churchill District and Community Assoc Meeting - Churchill Community Hall - 7 pm

Monday 1st July - Moe/Newborough Town Meeting - Moe RSL – Albert Street, Moe – 7pm

Tuesday 2nd July - Traralgon Town Meeting - Traralgon Police Station, Kay St, Traralgon – 7pm

Wednesday 3rd July - Morwell Town Meeting – Morwell RSL – Elgin Street, Morwell – 7pm

Wednesday 14th August - Yallourn North Town Meeting - Yallourn North Bowling Club–7 pm

HOT SPOTS – POLICE NEED THE PUBLIC’S HELP

ATTEMPTED ABDUCTION AT CHURCHILL

At approximately 4.45 p.m. on Monday the 10th of June, 2013, a 12-year-old girl was delivering newspapers in Maple Cres, Churchill.

During the course of her deliveries the girl was grabbed from behind by a man. A brief struggle followed resulting in the man running from the area.

The description of the offender is: Male, Aged 30–40 years, 180 cm tall, wearing black pants, black shirt with elbow length sleeves and a beanie.

Police urge any other person 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 Brett Miller at Latrobe Criminal Investigation Unit on 5131 7028.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW SUPERINTENDENT

It is with pleasure we introduce our new Superintendent for Eastern Region Division Five, Malcolm ‘Jock’ Menzel.

Jock comes to us on rotation from the State Emergencies and Security Department where he was the State Emergency Response Officer and a delegated State Emergency Response Coordinator, attached to the State Emergencies and Security Command. In that role he provided strategic and tactical advice to the Chief Commissioner regarding emergency management issues in Victoria.

Jock has been a member of Victoria Police for approximately 37 years. He has a diverse policing background having served in a variety of uniform and specialist plainclothes positions. He brings to Division 5 a wealth of strategic, operational and emergency management knowledge.

As Divisional Commander in charge of major events in Melbourne, he was responsible for policing at major events including the Australian Tennis Open, the Melbourne Cup Carnival, International Test Cricket, One Day International Cricket Series, the AFL Finals Series and A League Soccer matches.

Country policing is not new for Jock. He was Divisional Commander based at Wangaratta with a

responsibility for the provision of policing services to North East Victoria. Whilst at Wangaratta, Jock performed the role of divisional emergency response coordinator during the 2006/2007 Campaign Wildfire and the 2009 Black Saturday campaign wildfire.

Jock is looking forward to the challenge of running police services across Eastern Region Division Five’s four Local Government Areas of Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Latrobe and South Gippsland.

Jock is married with three adult children, is grandad to a grandson and in his spare time he is an avid golfer.

MAY NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/SAFER COMMUNITIES GROUP REPORTS

BOOLARRA/YINNAR DISTRICT CRIME REPORT

ROBBERY - Nil for May (1 April)

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 2 for May (1 April) - The victim in both property damages is the same person with a shed and fences being cut in Fishers Rd between 15th and 20th May and a hot house in Bishop St was ransacked between 17th and 19th May.

BURGLARY - Nil for May (1 April)

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 1 for May (2 April) - Overnight 19th May unknown offenders stole two hubcaps from a vehicle parked in the driveway of a property in Bishops Rd.

THEFT - 1 for May (1 April) - Between 16th and 31st May unknown offenders stole a hot water system from the club rooms at the Yinnar Recreation Reserve.

CHURCHILL and DISTRICT MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES JEERALANG)

PREVIOUS ISSUES: A town centre community safety audit will be conducted in the coming months.

ASSAULTS - 6 for May (2 April) - Four offenders charged whilst police are following up a suspect in relation to an incident at a soccer match on 25th May. Police are also investigating an assault by two males in Amaroo Dr on 19th May.

ARSON - Nil for May (1 April)

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 5 for May (15 April) - Between 1st and 9th May unknown offenders spray painted graffiti on the subway at Monash Way whilst between 17th and 20th May a vehicle in a unit car park in White Pde was scratched by unknown offenders.

BURGLARY - 3 for May (5 April) - Between 5th and 16th May unknown offenders cut a chain and lock on a gate on a property in Jeeralang West Rd, Jeeralang Junction. Once through the gate the offenders forced entry to the shed and stole a number of items including a trailer, motor cycle, quad bikes and chainsaws.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for May (4 April) - Overnight 7th May unknown offenders entered an unlocked vehicle in a residential driveway in Walker Pde and stole an Etag. Between 29th May and 3rd June unknown offenders entered a rural property in Salisbury Rd, Hazelwood South, cut the padlock on a tool box on the rear of a ute and stole a laser level.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 3 for May (4 April) - All vehicles stolen during May were from the burglary in Jeeralang West Rd, Jeeralang Junction on 5th May and remain unlocated - 0155A a 2005 Huseberg FE450 motor cycle blue in colour and two quad bikes – Suzuki LTA500 and Polaris 330 ATP.

THEFT - 3 for May (2 April) - Police are following up a suspect in relation to the theft of jewellery from an address in Euroka Cres on 3rd May. A trailer was stolen from the burglary in Jeeralang West Rd and a solar panel was stolen from an electric fence unit in Reidys Rd, Jeeralang overnight 16th May.

ISSUES RAISED MAY: Nil.

MOE/NEWBOROUGH MEETING and CRIME REPORT

PREVIOUS ISSUES: New Moe Telephone Number -The public is reminded the new telephone number for the Moe Police Station is 5128 1100. Graffiti – There was a discussion about graffiti around the old hospital and Orana Senior Citizens Village and information received was passed to Intelligence Unit and Moe Police.

ASSAULT - 14 for May (18 April) - Police are following up suspects in relation to an incident at Woolworths on 25th May as well as an incident in Lincoln St on 2nd May. In all other incidents an offender has been charged with some facing multiple charges.

ARSON - Nil for May (3 April)

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 32 for May (28 April) - Eight offenders charged. A 33 year old male from Melbourne and a 27 year old Newborough man were charged with ten offences each relating to various incidents of graffiti on the 9th May in Newborough.

BURGLARY - 9 for May (9 April) - Between 3rd and 5th May unknown offenders entered an unlocked residential garage in Phillip St and stole a whipper snipper and lawn mower. A passer-by disturbed an offender in a shop in Moore St on 19th May. The offender had smashed the glass on a door and ran out whilst the witness was still on the phone to police.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 6 for May (2 April) - On the 1st May unknown offenders entered an unlocked canopy of a vehicle parked outside a business in Moore St. The offenders stole four car batteries, a jump pack and a battery powered rattle gun. Evidence suggests a vehicle would be needed to transport the items from the scene.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for May (2 April)

THEFT (OTHER) - 8 for May (16 April) - On 3rd May a victim of theft by finding left money behind at an ATM in Moore St. Theft by finding which is committed when a person finds an item and makes no legitimate attempt to locate the owner or hand the property into police.

ISSUES RAISED JUNE: Letter of thanks for donation from the SES. A discussion was held on the recent spate of graffiti in Newborough area.

MORWELL MEETING and CRIME REPORT(INCLUDES TYERS)

PREVIOUS ISSUES: A discussion was held about the new Eyewatch page. The meeting was updated on issues raised last month about occurrences in Heywood Street. A discussion was held on local graffiti trends and Hoon driving in the Savige St area was discussed and police have stepped up patrols.

ROBBERY - 4 for May (Nil April) - One offender charged with one count of armed robbery and attempted robbery whilst another offender charged with attempted armed robbery. Police are still following up a suspect for an armed robbery at the Bottle mart, Buckley St on 12th May.

ASSAULT - 19 for May (24 April) - In all incidents an offender has been charged.

ARSON - 4 for May (1 April) - Overnight 10th May unknown offenders set alight a plastic pot plant and sunshade at the rear of Claudia’s Café, George St. On 18th May unknown offenders set alight available material at the bike shed of the Commercial Rd Primary School causing minor damage.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 27 for May (32 April) - Four offenders charged. On 28th May unknown offenders spray painted graffiti on various buildings and vehicles in the Bridle Rd, Centre Rd, and Alexanders Rd area. The tags are similar to those committed earlier in May at the Fortuna Soccer Club.

BURGLARY - 15 for May (15 April) - Between 3rd and 6th May unknown offenders entered the construction site at the old KFC in Princes Hwy and cut the padlocks to a tool storage container. A large number of tools were stolen from the container. Overnight 2nd May the fish and chip shop in Bridle Rd was broken into and offenders stole cash.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 8 for May (12 April) - One offender charged. A set of registration plates was stolen from a vehicle parked in Rowell St overnight 22nd May. These plates were later used by offenders during a petrol drive off.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 6 for May (1 April) - Four of the vehicles stolen have been recovered. OKS135 a 1989 Holden Station wagon maroon in colour was stolen from Church St on 23/05/13. NBM408 a 1994 Ford sedan red in colour was stolen from Melanie Crt on 16/05/13.

THEFT - 12 for May (13 April) - One offender charged. Three of the thefts involved fuel drive offs (thefts) from service stations in Morwell. On each occasion the vehicle used bore stolen number plates. Between 31st May and 3rd June copper piping and electrical cabling was stolen from a construction site in Princes Dr.

ISSUES RAISED JUNE: Discussions were held on involving the younger community in NHW through the Latrobe’s eyewatch page; parking on nature strips; continuing graffiti; and dangerous riding by users of Motorised Mobility Devices on footpaths.

TRARALGON MEETING and CRIME REPORT

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

PREVIOUS ISSUES: No new issues raised.

ROBBERY - 3 for May (2 April) - One offender charged with two counts of attempted robbery whilst another has been charged with two counts of robbery. Police are following up suspects in relation to an incident on the Princes Hwy on 18th May. Two males assaulted another male stealing a back pack after threatening him with a weapon behind the railway station on 3rd May.

ASSAULT - 28 for May (25 April) – Twenty-four offenders charged. Twelve of the incidents relate to family violence whilst three took place in or around licensed premises. Police are following up a number of suspects from incidents where the victim and offender were known to each other.

ARSON - 2 for May (Nil April) - One offender charged with criminal damage by fire whilst unknown offenders set fire to part of a gazebo in parkland in Welch Crt on 5th May.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 43 for May (32 April) - Overnight 31st May seventeen vehicles parked in residential driveways or streets had windows damaged with no attempt to enter the vehicle. It appears the damage was done by either a bar or pole with some being rocks possibly fired from slingshots.

BURGLARY - 10 for May (8 April) - One offender faces two counts of burglary from incidents during May. Overnight 25th May unknown offenders broke into a café in Sportsland Arcade, Hotham St. Coins were stolen from the café whilst a number of other shops in the arcade were victims of attempted break-ins.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 18 for May (19 April) - All except one were committed in residential areas. Overnight 2nd May unknown offenders targeted seven utes parked in driveways or on nature strips stealing tools, tool boxes and other items from the rear of utes.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for May (2 April) - One of the vehicles stolen has been recovered. Queensland registered 530RDV, a 2000 Ford station wagon white in colour stolen 07/05/13 from Graduate Pl was still outstanding at time of printing.

THEFT - 13 for May (11 April) - One offender charged. Scooters which had been left in car ports or on front porches were stolen in Glenview Dr (25/05/13) and Priestly Crt (05/05/13).

ISSUES RAISED JUNE: Nil issues raised. A discussion was held on the instigation and success of Latrobe’s eyewatch page.

YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT

PREVIOUS ISSUES: Property damage - specifically the totem poles which were damaged and the sign at the front of the primary school.

ASSAULT - 1 for May (Nil April) - One offender charged with recklessly causing injury.

ARSON - 1 for May (Nil April) - At approximately 4.00 a.m. on 27th May police patrolling Yallourn North noticed two St Vincent’s charity bins were alight. The bins were extinguished with assistance from CFA and the investigation is ongoing.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - Nil for May (2 April)

BURGLARY - 2 for May (1 April) - Overnight 5th May unknown offenders entered an unlocked garage in Kelso Rd and stole a chainsaw. Firearms were stolen from a gun safe in North Rd between 31st May and 2nd June. No ammunition was stolen.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 2 for May (Nil April) - Two offenders charged whilst petrol was siphoned from a vehicle outside a residence in North Rd overnight 6th May.

THEFT (OTHER) - Nil for May (1 April)

ISSUES RAISED JUNE: This was the AGM and all current office holders are continuing in their positions.

WATCH OUT WHEN BOOKING YOUR WINTER GETAWAY

Scam Watch, Australian Competition & Consumer Commission

SCAMwatch is warning consumers to be wary when making plans for a holiday escape this winter. SCAMwatch has received reports that scammers continue to target would-be travellers with holiday rental accommodation scams. Scammers are setting up fake online listings for rental properties to try and lure unsuspecting consumers into parting with their money. With these scams you pay for your accommodation, but the property either does not exist or, if it is real, the owner knows nothing about your booking. Scammers are also reportedly hacking into popular holiday rental or travel websites in order to intercept emails between interested travellers and legitimate accommodation providers so that you send your money to the scammer instead of the owner. SCAMwatch advises would-be travellers to be on guard and do their homework when considering any holiday rental offer.

There are a variety of scams out there targeting would-be travellers including holiday voucher scams, holiday hacking scams and fake listings scams.

Protect yourself

While it may be hard at times to distinguish between legitimate business people and scammers, there are things you can do to help ensure that your dream holiday doesn’t turn into a nightmare.

• Be cautious – if the price looks too good to be true, it probably is.
• Do your homework – contact the company directly using contact details you sourced independently through a phone book or online search.
• Don’t trust the legitimacy of an ad just because it appears in a reputable newspaper or online classifieds website – scammers often use these.
• If you receive an email out of the blue from a stranger offering a great holiday deal, do not click on any links or open attachments – just press ‘delete’.
• Pay attention to the details – check the URL is the legitimate website, and confirm that names and addresses mentioned match up with publically available information.
• Always keep your computer security up to date with anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall.
• If you think you have provided your financial details or sent money to a scammer, contact your financial institution immediately.

For more information visit ScamWatch at http://www.scamwatch.gov.au

CRIME STOPPERS

Police remind the community if they see something suspicious they should ring 000 or if they have information in relation to an offence contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au.

SEXTING – BE AWARE AND BEWARE

"Sexting" refers to the sharing of nude photographs, sexually explicit messages and videos via mobile telephones. However, the incidents are not confined to telephones, it happens with other devices as well as Internet.

Unfortunately, teenagers and younger children fall into the trap of thinking it is funny to send sexually explicit messages, videos or nude photos of themselves or of friends to others.

However, the practice is illegal and can lead to serious legal and psychological ramifications. Parents should educate their children not to take or send nude or sexually suggestive photos of themselves or anyone else. Remember, even if the photo is of themselves or they pass along someone else’s photograph, they could be charged with producing or distributing pornography or child pornography.

Teach your child never take a photograph of themselves that they wouldn’t want everyone, including classmates, teachers, friends, family and employers to see. Set rules for your child’s use of all electronic media, including mobile phones and follow through with consequences when the rules are broken.

Furthermore, if the messages, videos or photographs are kept on your or your child’s phone or computer, you and/or your child could be charged with possession of child pornography. These charges could lead to you or your child being placed of the Sex Offenders’ Register, meaning you or your child will be registered as a sex offender. (However, at the time of printing there is public discussion about introducing a new offence as the spirit of the original legislation does not cater to new technologies and take into account the immature thinking of teenagers who think it is funny to send sexually explicit messages, videos or nude photos of themselves or of friends to others.)

Serious emotional damage can result from exchanging or receiving intimate photos of yourself or of friends. Also, the images could go viral, meaning that there may be mass electronic circulation of the photographs, videos or messages. There is no guarantee the one person your child sends the photograph to will not send it to everyone he or she (and your child) knows. The photographs and videos can be distributed, archived and saved online and become available for anyone to view world-wide.

Parents should talk to their children about the dangers of sexting in a relaxed manner, starting by asking them what they know about the practice. Be non-confrontational when you explain the practice is illegal and socially unacceptable so as to minimise the emotional risk such a conversation can have.

Parents should also be alert when their children use all types of the electronic media. Monitor who your children talk to on the phone and on the internet, as people are not always who they seem to be. Sexual predators are capable of doing very harmful things. Teach your children to be critical about what they both upload and download.

In the event you discover your child has sent any nude pictures or videos of themselves or others, make sure they stop the practice immediately and explain the consequences. If they have received a nude or sexually explicit photograph or video, make sure they understand to delete it immediately and they are not to forward it on.

The results of what for a child is impulsive behaviour can quickly turn into harassment or be seen as bullying. If the photograph was sent maliciously then criminal intent may be proven and the police can become involved and charges may be laid.

It also pays to know what your child is texting. Here are some of the less vulgar commonly used abbreviations.

For further information visit the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s Cyber Smart website at http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/

HOT SPOTS – POLICE NEED THE PUBLIC’S HELP

TRARALGON – TWO ATTEMPTED KIDNAPPINGS of CHILDREN

Latrobe Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for information after two attempted kidnappings in Traralgon last month.

Police have been told a 13-year-old girl was walking along Grubb Avenue on Saturday 11 May when she was approached by a man in a red ute about midday. He made requests for the girl to get into the vehicle however she declined and walked away and the male drove off.

The second incident occurred about 3.30pm on Friday 31 May. An 11-year-old girl was walking along the same street when she too was approached by a man in a red ute, who made requests for her to get into the vehicle. She declined and left the area without further incident as the man drove off.

The offender has been described as aged in his 50s with grey hair.

Police urge any other person 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 Sergeant Rumble at Latrobe Criminal Investigation Unit on 5131 5041.

MOTORISED MOBILITY DEVICES RIDERS – REMEMBER YOU ARE PEDESTRIANS!

Our elderly and disabled citizens who ride Motorised Mobility Devices (MMD’s) are reminded they are at law considered to be pedestrians. You must obey all road rules as a pedestrian and drivers of motor vehicles must treat you as a pedestrian. All pedestrian road laws apply. As such, you may only ride your MMD’s on footpaths at a walking pace.

As the driver of a Motorised Mobility Devise please remember, you are sharing the footpaths and shopping centres with other pedestrians. Be courteous to other pedestrians and travel at walking speed when other pedestrians are present, particularly in shopping centres and when around children.

Recently in Morwell a pedestrian was knocked over by the rider of a MMD who was not exercising due care.

If your MMD is capable of more than 10km/h or is powered by a motor greater than 200w, then you may be charged under the Road Safety Act with the appropriate offences, such as Driving at a Speed Dangerous, Driving on a Footpath, Driving an Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Carless Driving or even Exceeding .05 to name a few.

You must cross a road by the shortest direct route. When crossing at traffic lights you may start to cross on the green light or green man. You must use a footpath where available. If you need to travel on the road you must keep as close to the kerb as possible.

Just because you are the biggest and strongest pedestrian on the footpath, does not mean you have a greater right of way. Remember, when on the footpath stick strictly to a walking pace and be courteous to, and considerate of other pedestrians

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au

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