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Latrobe Crime Watch News Letter Latrobe Police Service Area November 2011Hot Spots, Latrobe Neighbourhood Watchers Recognised, Neighbourhood Watch Crime Reports for Morwell, Traralgon, Moe, Churchill, Yallourn North, Funding boost for Neighbourhood Watch, When Motorists Must Give Way To Pedestrians. By Malcolm Lawrence - 16th November 2011 - Back to News Latrobe Crime Watch News
Latrobe Police Service Area
Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities
NOVEMBER 2011
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
Thursday 17th November 2011 - Yinnar Town Meeting - Yinnar Hotel – 7.30 pm
Sunday 20th November - Community Expo - Morwell Football Ground.
Wednesday 23rd November 2011 – Churchill Town/CDCA Meeting - Churchill Community Hall - 7 pm
Wed 30th Nov - RoadSafe Motorised Mobility Device Presentation – Morwell Traffic School – ring Alana on 5172 2651
Please note there are no meetings scheduled for December and January. Meetings resume in Feb 2012.
HOT SPOTS – POLICE NEED THE PUBLIC’S HELP THEFT OF AND THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLES
There have been approximately sixteen theft of and theft from motor vehicles across Morwell, Moe, Traralgon and Churchill over the past few weeks. Whilst police have charged some offenders the community must begin to take responsibility for securing vehicles. Whilst being interviewed by detectives an offender stated that they only stole vehicles which had the keys in the ignition. Not only does this make it ridiculously easy for offenders to steal a vehicle it is also an offence which could incur a fine. Police remind the community to lock vehicles when away from them and to remove all valuables when away from the vehicle.
Police urge anyone who may have information related to these thefts 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 police on the numbers listed to the left of this article.
LATROBE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCHERS RECOGNISED BY THE STATE HONOURS COMMITTEE
The State Neighbourhood Watch Honours Committee has announced the winners of its Awards for 2011. We are pleased to say Latrobe has won two awards after the recipients were nominated by our Police NHW Co-ordinator, Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden.
Gerard Traynor and Betty Glass who run Morwell’s Anti-Graffiti Team (pictured in action at Kernot Lake), have been named joint winners of the David Lentin Memorial Award for the ‘Latrobe Community Audits and Graffiti Removal Project’ along with Mildura’s ‘Operation Hot Spot’.
The Latrobe Crime Watch News, this newsletter, was nominated for the Communications Award and has received a Certificate of Merit. The awards will be presented in Melbourne in early 2012.
LSC Godden said he was extremely proud of the recognition for both the Anti-Graffiti team and the Newsletter Editor, Dianne Godden.
LSC Godden said, "The graffiti removal team has been recognised at a local level by the Police Service Area Inspector for their assistance in the apprehension of offenders and by Latrobe City with support. The hard work of the Newsletter Editor has helped to create a great vehicle for getting crime prevention information out to the wider community."
"The value of the newsletter was seen recently when it was used by the Emergency Management Team to provide community updates in relation to the Princes Freeway closure."
OCTOBER NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/SAFER COMMUNITIES GROUP REPORTS
MORWELL MEETING and CRIME REPORT
PREVIOUS ISSUES - Hoon driving around the intersection of Angus and Butters - Advice given re reporting and recording. Children riding motorized mini bikes on Angus and Butters - Advice given re reporting and recording.
CRIME REPORT - ROBBERY - 2 for October (Nil Sept) - One offender has been charged with both robberies.
ASSAULT - 22 for October (35 Sept) - 19 offenders charged, some face multiple charges of assault police and resist arrest. Police are following up suspects in relation to two other assaults. A female was assaulted in her vehicle by an unknown male in Commercial Rd on 15th October. The male has smashed the window of the victim’s vehicle and then hit her in the face. He is described as male Caucasian, dark shirt, jeans and a dark beanie.
ARSON - 4 for October (4 Sept) - All were criminal damage caused by fire. A broken down vehicle on the highway was set alight whilst two stolen vehicles were located burnt out. A bush in the front yard of a residential premises was set alight.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 26 for October (47 Sept) - Seven offenders charged with a large number as a result of family violence incidents. Most involved windows of residences or vehicles being damaged. A car yard and two tow yards were damaged when vehicles were stolen.
BURGLARY - 21 for October (16 Sept) - 10 offenders charged. Most burglaries were committed on residential premises or sheds/garages. Tools, garden tools and alcohol were the main items stolen from sheds. A lawn mower was stolen from the unlocked area under a house. There were also six attempted burglaries.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 16 for October (8 Sept) - All bar two of the TFMV’s were committed in residential areas. Unlocked vehicles parked in driveways were targeted with a few having windows damaged. Cash, DVD players, CD’s, mobile phones, handbags and wallets were amongst the items stolen.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 16 for October (5 Sept) - A car yard was targeted when two vehicles were stolen from the yard. The victim attempted to apprehend one of the offenders but was unsuccessful. Both vehicles were recovered at the scene. Two stolen vehicles remain outstanding with all others recovered including two being burnt out.
THEFT - 19 for October (18 Sept) - One offender charged. There were three thefts of fuel from service stations with two of them possibly being linked to an offender who has been charged with theft of motor vehicle and assaults. A drum of used cooking oil was stolen from the rear of a premises in Commercial Rd. It is the fourth drum to be stolen over a period of time.
ISSUES RAISED NOVEMBER – Nil
CHURCHILL and DISTRICT MEETING and CRIME REPORT
OCTOBER ISSUES – Nil
CRIME REPORT
ROBBERY - 1 for October (Nil Sept) - One offender charged with armed robbery after an incident in Churchill. The offender will also face various other robbery charges.
ASSAULTS - 11 for October (5 Sept) - In the only incident where an offender has not been charged police are making follow up enquiries.
ARSON - 2 for October (4 Sept) - One offender charged with criminal damage by fire after an incident in Dalpura Ct. A stolen vehicle was recovered in Glendonald Rd burnt out.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 11 for October (5 Sept) - Four offenders charged. All the other damages were committed in residential areas of town. Overnight on 6th October a number of vehicles had tyres slashed in White Pde/Howard Ave area. Two other incidents of graffiti were committed on the same night in Fraser Cres.
BURGLARY -1 for October (4 Sept) - One offender charged.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 5 for October (Nil Sept) - All the TFMV’s were committed in residential driveways or addresses. A series of thefts were committed in the Canterbury Way/Omaro Crt/Williams Ave area with purses, cameras and a rear view mirror stolen.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 3 for October (1 Sept) - All three vehicles stolen have been recovered and returned to the owners. Two of the vehicles were recovered within fifty metres of the residence they were stolen from.
THEFT - 2 for October (3 Sept) - Jewellery and cash was stolen from a residence during the month whilst motorcycle gear was stolen from a carport.
ISSUES RAISED NOVEMBER – Meeting not held at time of printing.
MOE/NEWBOROUGH MEETING and CRIME REPORT
PREVIOUS ISSUES - NHW sign has not been erected in High St - Brett to follow up with depot as to location sign was erected. Broken windows at old hospital site - Follow up with new owners re security. Speed humps in Power Ave need repainting and crossing in Fowler St needs repainting - Brett has passed this onto Latrobe City.
CRIME REPORT
ASSAULT - 21 for October (19 Sept) - 21 offenders charged. The only incident which has not resulted in an offender being charged was an elderly male who was assaulted by two males in Fowler St on 22nd October. The males have exited a small blue or black vehicle assaulted the victim and left the scene. One male is described as tall, fair complexion, early 20s the other is dark complexion and dark hair. Any information to Crimestoppers or Moe Police.
ARSON - 2 for October (1 Sept) - Both were criminal damage by fire. A bus stolen from a church was located burnt out whilst a council bin outside a residence was set alight.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 26 for October (29 Sept) - 10 offenders charged. Most were committed in residential areas. Garden plants were damaged in a number of incidents with vehicle windows smashed in the majority of other incidents. The Newborough Cricket club was targeted twice when offenders have driven onto the playing surface damaging both the playing surface and covers.
BURGLARY - 12 for October (6 Sept) - One offender charged. Two businesses were targeted with all the other burglaries committed on residential premises, sheds or garages. Most of the house burglaries involved forced entry whilst in all the garage or shed burglaries entry was gained via an unlocked door.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 12 for October (9 Sept) - Two sets of registration plates were stolen with one set used in a theft of petrol on the day it were stolen. Two other incidents involved a single plate being stolen. The number of unlocked vehicles being entered in residential driveways is still very high with cash, wallets and iPods being the items stolen.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 4 for October (2 Sept) -Three of the vehicles have been recovered. A bus stolen from a church was located burnt out in the Edward Hunter Reserve.
THEFT (OTHER) - 7 for October (8 Sept) - Three offenders charged. A lamb was stolen from a property in Albert St on 17th October. All other thefts were committed in residential areas with a letterbox, a couch and jewellery was stolen. A scooter stolen from a Newborough address was recovered and returned to the owner.
ISSUES RAISED NOVEMBER – Nil
TRARALGON MEETING and CRIME REPORT
PREVIOUS ISSUES: Pedestrians crossing Grey St near the RSL and some incidents of near misses - VicRoads has provided a reply – New signage and lighting has been placed in the vicinity of the RSL.
CRIME REPORT - ROBBERY - 2 for October (4 Sept) - One offender charged whilst police are following up an incident that occurred in Breed St where a male was assaulted and robbed by four males.
ASSAULT - 21 for October (21 Sept) - 17 offenders charged. Some offenders also charged with robbery, breach of an intervention order and criminal damage as a result of family violence incidents. Suspects are being followed up in three of the incidents.
ARSON - 1 for October (2 Sept) - One offender charged as a result of an incident at Traralgon Secondary Campus.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 37 for October (32 Sept) - Six offenders charged. Most of the damages occurred in residential areas with a number of vehicles having objects thrown at them in Park Lane. Suspects are being followed up.
BURGLARY - 19 for October (24 Sept) - One offender charged. Burglaries were fairly evenly spread between shops and residential premises with most entered via smashed windows. Cash was the main item stolen. A shipping container was entered in Eastern Rd with tools stolen whilst a vehicle parked at the same site had a bull bar stolen.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 19 for October (21 Sept) - Most thefts were committed in residential driveways or on the street outside residential addresses. Colin Watson once again had items stolen from a number of vehicles parked in the lot. All vehicles targeted were HSV model Holdens with bonnets, wheel badges and panels stolen. Cash was the major item stolen from other vehicles after having windows smashed.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 3 for October (1 Sept) - All three vehicles stolen have been recovered and returned.
THEFT - 17 for October (15 Sept) - Six were committed by opportunistic thieves when the victims left their purses, handbags or phones behind or have left them and gone to dance at a club. A number of service stations had fuel stolen.
ISSUES RAISED NOVEMBER – Unruly behaviour near Park lane Units - information passed to Traralgon Police for patrols. Advice provided about reporting.
YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT
PREVIOUS ISSUES - Nil
ASSAULT - 2 for October (Nil Sept) - Two offenders charged with assault, threats to kill, and other assault offences.
ARSON - Nil for October (1 Sept)
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 2 for October (1 Sept) - One offender charged. In the other incident the Yallourn North Cricket Club gate was rammed by a vehicle overnight on 28th October.
BURGLARY - Nil for October (Nil Sept)
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 2 for October (Nil Sept) - Two sets of driving lights were stolen from vehicles overnight on 6th October in Cross St and Carmel St and appear to have been removed with a spanner with wiring cut.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for October (1 Sept)
THEFT (OTHER) - 1 for October (Nil Sept) - A camping swag was stolen from the front porch of a Kelso Rd address overnight on 7th October.
ISSUES RAISED NOVEMBER – Nil
FUNDING BOOST FOR AUSTRALASIAN NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
The Federal government recently announced $1.5 million for Neighbourhood Watch Australasia over three years - the biggest Commonwealth funding for community-based crime prevention. The program will be funded from the confiscated proceeds of crime and will be used to establish a national office and to expand NHW at grass-root level through grants to increase community safety and to fund crime prevention programs, to name a few.
Our own Region 5’s Victoria Police Superintendent Tess Walsh (pictured) is the President of Neighbour-hood Watch Australasia. Supt Walsh said "It is great to see increased support for our wonderful program from the government at a Federal level. This funding shows the volunteers how valuable their contribution is and how much their efforts in making our communities safer and better places in which to live are not only encouraged but respected."
WHEN TURNING ONTO A ROAD A PEDESTRIAN IS CROSSING THE DRIVER MUST GIVE WAY
Drivers are reminded that under the Road Safety Road Rules 2009 the laws pertaining to turning vehicles giving way to pedestrians at an intersection without traffic lights or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line as applied to the driver are clear. Drivers must give way to pedestrians crossing the road the driver is turning into. If the pedestrian is crossing the road the driver is on then the pedestrian must give way. The rule is different again at roundabouts where pedestrians must give way to all vehicles. Please remember: Pedestrians are slow and they cannot see you if you are approaching from behind.
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
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au
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Melina Bath criticised Gippsland rail disruptions after AFL fans were stranded following an early service cutoff, calling for reliable regional transport and promising 1,110 additional seats on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services. - Labor invests $120,000 to modernise Traralgon Library with new study pods and improved community spaces
Harriet Shing joined Latrobe City Mayor Cr Gibson and councillors to announce a $120,000 library upgrade, jointly funded by government and council - Wellington Shire Council retains in-house library service following review confirming best value for community needs
Wellington Shire Council has endorsed the outcome of its Wellington Libraries Service Review, confirming library services will continue to be delivered as is. - Better Place Australia opens new Traralgon office to expand family support services across Gippsland amid rising community needs
Better Place Australia has opened a new Traralgon office to expand family support services across Gippsland, addressing challenges including family separation, violence, financial stress and child vulnerability. - Melina Bath seeks Labor explanation on Gippsland children face specialist dental service cuts, longer waits and costly travel for treatment
Melina Bath says Gippsland children face longer waits after regional pediatric dental services were cut, forcing families to travel to Melbourne for specialist treatment. - Darren Chester says Labor's national firearms buyback unfairly targets law-abiding regional firearm owners instead of addressing crime and security
Nationals representatives Gemma Rendell, Darren Chester and Bridget McKenzie joined East Gippsland firearm owners in Bairnsdale, opposing Labor's buyback and further restrictions while supporting lawful firearm use in regional communities. - Macalister Irrigation District schedules submerged weed treatments for November and December to improve channel capacity and water delivery
Macalister Irrigation District will treat submerged weeds in irrigation channels during November and December 2026, improving water delivery. Customers must avoid treated water for 72 hours after treatment. - Maryvale Recreation Reserve completes $920,000 upgrade, enhancing accessibility, facilities, safety and recreation opportunities for the community
Maryvale Recreation Reserve has completed a $920,000 refurbishment, upgrading the Latrobe Cricket Club pavilion, Peter Siddle Oval, drainage, pathways and accessibility, as part of Latrobe City's broader $5 million program. - Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years. - Wellington Shire Council backs West Sale Airport for proposed Gippsland Police Academy training campus
Wellington Shire Council will advocate for a Gippsland Police Academy at West Sale Airport, citing existing infrastructure, the former TAFE campus, expansion capacity and potential regional jobs, investment and training opportunities. - Labor government invests $750,000 to support young Gippslanders into education, training and employment opportunities
The Victorian Labor government is investing $750,000 in Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley, supporting 120 young people facing barriers to education, training and employment through 2028. - Bass Coast offers free green waste disposal from 31 October to 22 November to help residents prepare for bushfire season
Bass Coast Shire Council will accept domestic green waste free at its four waste facilities from 31 October to 22 November 2026, helping residents reduce bushfire hazards before summer. - Morwell International Rose Garden Festival unveils exciting 2026 program ahead of November celebration
Morwell’s free International Rose Garden Festival returns November 6–7, featuring entertainment, workshops, markets, children’s activities and spectacular Night Lights, celebrating the region’s iconic gardens with more than 4,000 roses. - Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community
Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities. - Morwell CBD double-storey car park set to deliver more than 120 additional free parking spaces soon
Preparation works have begun for Morwell’s new double-storey CBD car park, expected to start construction in October, adding more than 120 free spaces and completing Latrobe City’s Regional Car Parks Fund projects. - Cowes Freedom of Entry Parade marks 125 years of Australia's Commonwealth Naval Forces and naval service tradition parade on 7 August 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to Cowes' Freedom of Entry Parade on August 7, celebrating 125 years of Australia's naval heritage with HMAS Cape Woolamai personnel and the Royal Australian Navy Band. - East Gippsland Council calls for ESVF levy reform ahead of November Victorian state election
East Gippsland Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reform the ESVF levy, citing disproportionate regional costs and seeking fairer, transparent emergency services funding. - East Gippsland Landcare Groups recognised at Victorian Awards celebrating 40 Years of environmental stewardship and community conservation efforts
East Gippsland Landcare groups Moogji Aboriginal Council and FEVL received the First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award, while Romawi Landcare was highly commended for innovation and its ongoing conservation efforts. - Heyfield childcare faces closure after losing federal funding, putting local families, educators and essential community services at risk
Heyfield's only childcare service faces closure after losing $270,000 in federal funding, prompting Darren Chester to seek urgent assistance while a Senate inquiry examines rural and regional child care access. - Morwell Historical Society opens exhibition celebrating Northway Family’s pioneering legacy and Hazelwood’s early history for community visitors
Federal and state MPs opened Morwell Historical Society’s Pioneering Northway Family Exhibition, showcasing three generations of Hazelwood pioneers through photographs, documents and maps until November 29. - Morwell Rose Festival returns with blooms, aerial acrobatics, night lights, workshops and family entertainment from 6-7 November 2026
Morwell Rose Festival returns for its ninth year in 2026, featuring thousands of roses, aerial performances, night lights, workshops, market stalls, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
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