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

Message from Inspector Dean Thomas,Hot Spots, NHW Communities Group Reports, Vale Stan Wright, Latrobe's Fire Emergency, Keep Watch for Firebugs.

By Malcolm Lawrence - 1st March 2014 - Back to News

Latrobe Crime Watch News

Latrobe Police Service Area

Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities

February 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

Wednesday 19th February – Morwell Fires Community Information Afternoon and free BBQ - Morwell Neighbourhood House – Beattie Cres, Morwell - 3:30pm to 5pm

Monday 3rd March - Moe/Newborough Town Meeting - Moe RSL – Albert Street, Moe – 7pm

Tuesday 4th March - Traralgon Town Meeting - Traralgon Police Station, Kay St, Traralgon – 7pm

Wednesday 5th March - Morwell Town Meeting – Morwell RSL – Elgin Street, Morwell – 7pm

Friday 14th March - Latrobe Valley says THANK YOU - fundraiser for our local fire fighters - Twin City Archery Club, Toners Lane Archery Park, Morwell - 4pm – 8pm

Wednesday 9th April - Yallourn North Town Meeting - Monash Hall Reserve St, Yallourn North –7 pm

MESSAGE FROM LATROBE ACTING INSPECTOR DEAN THOMAS WE NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE TO PURSUE AND PROSECUTE

Since the devastating Gippsland bushfires of 2009, the Gippsland Arson Prevention Program partners prepare for the bushfire season each year using the five P's, PREPARE – PREVENT – PINPOINT – PURSUE – PROSECUTE.

This year we did everything we could to encourage the Latrobe community to PREPARE for the bushfire season by making your homes and properties fire safe.

We urged you to PREVENT bushfires by ensuring you had the necessary equipment and a ready water supply on hand if you were burning off and encouraged you to abide by restrictions, Total Fire Bans and Code Red days.

Partner agencies worked hard to PINPOINT bush locations where bushfire arsonists do their test burns and we encourage you that if you SAW SOMETHING suspicious or KNEW SOMETHING about arsonists to SAY SOMETHING.

As we found out locally in 2009 with the Delburn and Churchill complexes of fires, bushfires can have a devastating impact on the community.

Now, once again in 2014 Latrobe City, not to mention other areas of Gippsland and the rest of our State, has been under siege because of bushfire arsonists. It is believed a number of the State's bushfires this February may have been deliberately lit.

Now, as the CFA continue its containment and clean-up operations, Victoria Police will investigate the cause of those fires. We will investigate, identify and prosecute those responsible.

I now seek the assistance of the Latrobe community and cannot urge you strongly enough that if you have SEEN SOMETHING or KNOW SOMETHING then now is the time to SAY SOMETHING.

All members of the community must do their bit to ensure these bushfire arsonists are identified by speaking up and letting my detectives know what you know.

Investigations into suspicious fire activity and persons and the pursuit of offenders is the responsibility of the police. Your information is vital in assisting with the pursuit of arsonists.

No matter how small or insignificant you think your piece of information is, my detectives want to know about it. Your piece of information may help detectives solve who lit our fires by allowing us to build a significant profile about persons, vehicles, and arson related activities.

Your small piece of information may result in the successful prosecution of an arsonist, so tell us about it.

You can report what you know in a number of ways:

• By filling in the GAPP Suspicious Incident Report;
• By calling into, or telephoning your local police station and reporting what you know;
• By calling the Crimestoppers hotline on 1800 333 000 and making a telephone report; or
• By filling in a Crimestoppers on-line report at https://vic.crimestoppers.com.au/help-solve-crime/report-crime-information-here

Fortunately this year in Latrobe City, through the hard work of our CFA Volunteers and other responders, we have had no loss of life. But our community has suffered significant financial loss, had property destroyed, not to mention the loss of animal life and the severe disruption to our lives and distress caused to all members of our community.

We will keep you updated on the progress of our investigations where we can and where letting you know will not place our investigation in jeopardy. We will do this through the local media and through our Eyewatch Latrobe Police Service Area Facebook page which you can find at https://www.facebook.com/eyewatchlatrobepsa

In the meantime, I urge you, IF YOU HAVE SEEN SOMETHING OR KNOW SOMETHING THEN SAY SOMETHING.

If you see something suspicious in the coming days and weeks of our continuing bushfire season where you believe a bushfire threat is imminent, the CALL OOO IMMEDIATELY.

HOT SPOTS – POLICE NEED THE PUBLIC’S HELP TO IDENTIFY THE DRIFFIELD ARSONIST/S

Latrobe Crime Investigation Unit, along with arson chemists from Melbourne, is investigating the fire and members of the community who are able to assist with information regarding the identity of those involved 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

At approximately 2pm on Saturday 8th of February, 2014, emergency service units responded to a suspicious grass fire near the Strezelecki Highway at Driffield.

This fire quickly developed into the major bushfire originally called the Driffield fire but is now known collectively as the Driffield, Hazelwood, Hernes Oak, Morwell Fire after the fires joined.

JANUARY NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/SAFER COMMUNITIES GROUP REPORTS

BOOLARRA/YINNAR DISTRICT CRIME REPORT

ASSAULTS - 3 for January (1 December) - Three offenders charged with assault related offences during January.

ARSON - 1 for January (Nil Dec) - Police are investigating an arson incident that occurred in Yinnar Rd, Driffield on 28th January.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 1 for January (2 December) - Two offenders charged with property damage offences during January.

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

ROBBERY - 1 for January (Nil December) - One offender charged with robbery during January.

ASSAULTS - 8 for January (9 December) - Six offenders charged. Police are investigating a series of incidents amongst, which is a threat to kill, which have occurred over a period of time in Winchester Way.

ARSON - 3 for January (1 December) - Two offenders charged with criminal damage by fire offences whilst overnight 25th January four bins were destroyed when they were set alight in Walker Pde.

PROPERTY DAMAGE -9 for Jan (3 Dec) - Two offenders charged & police are following up an identified suspect in relation to an incident in Maple Cres. Overnight 9th Jan two letterboxes in McDonald and Canterbury Ways were spray with paint and damaged.

BURGLARY - 5 for January (7 December) - Overnight 3rd January unknown offenders forced a door to a rural shed in Coxall Rd, Jeeralang Junction and stole a number of power tools. Between 17th and 24th January the Cricket club in Acacia Way was broken into three times possibly by the same offenders.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 4 for Jan (1 Dec) - Overnight 9th January two unlocked vehicles were entered in Auchterlonie Cres and Winston Dr with keys stolen from one and power tools from the other. A wallet was stolen from an unlocked vehicle in Mimosa Cres overnight 20th January. A set of registration number plates was stolen from a vehicle in Townsend St.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 4 for January (Nil December) - One offender charged. All four vehicles were located.

THEFT - 3 for January (3 December) - Two offenders charged whilst police are investigating the theft of a motorcycle trailer from the front of a residence in Heesom Cres on 14th January.

MOE POLICE SERVICE AREA MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES NEWBOROUGH, MOE SOUTH AND HEARNS OAK)

ASSAULT - 14 for Jan (24 Dec) - Eleven offenders charged whilst police are following up an identified suspect in relation to an incident in Hennessey St on 16th Jan. On the morning of 1st Jan a male was assaulted in Murray Rd, Newborough by another male.

ARSON - 5 for January (3 December) - All of the incidents were deemed suspicious by police and fire authorities. Overnight 11th January there was a small grass fire at Moe Cemetery, a small fire in the bark of a tree in Ollerton Ave and a tree stump in Coalville Rd was set alight. A small wheelie bin was set alight in Balfour St on overnight 13th January.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 23 for January (33 Dec) - Eight offenders charged whilst police are following up an identified suspect in relation to an incident in Lincoln St. Overnight 1st January two vehicles in Lloyd St had red paint sprayed on various panels.

BURGLARY - 4 for January (22 December) - Between 9th and 30th January unknown offenders entered a unit in Haunted Hills Rd and stole an amplifier and coins. Evidence suggests that the offenders spent some time, possibly days, in the unit. A laptop was stolen from a residence in Hawker St overnight 11th January.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 7 for January (9 December) - Five of the thefts were committed in residential streets with only one occurring in a car park in Lloyd St, where the vehicle's windows were smashed on 11th January and a garage remote and keys were stolen. Overnight 19th January two unlocked vehicles were entered in Comans Way with keys stolen from both vehicles.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for January (4 December) – Both vehicles have been located.

THEFT (OTHER) - 10 for Jan (12 Dec) - Two offenders charged whilst police are following up an identified suspect in relation to a theft in Henry St on 11th Jan. Around 19th Jan unknown offenders stole a chainsaw from an open shed in Yinnar St, Newborough.

YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT

ARSON - 1 for January (Nil December) - At approximately 4.00am on 11th January unknown offenders dragged a mattress onto a BBQ in Lions Park and set it alight causing damage to the BBQ and the roof of the rotunda.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 3 for January (1 December) - Overnight 1st January unknown offenders keyed a vehicle outside an address in North Rd. On 24th January a toy pool was damaged in the rear yard of a residence in Linkside Crt whilst graffiti was written on a fence of a property in Kelso Rd overnight 26th January.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 1 for January (1 December) - Overnight 12th January unknown offenders entered an unlocked vehicle in the driveway of a residence in North Rd and stole a number of power tools and hand tools.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 1 for January (Nil December) - The only vehicle stolen during the month was located.

MORWELL POLICE SERVICE AREA MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES TYERS)

ROBBERY - Nil for January (2 December)

ASSAULT - 38 for January (34 December) – Thirty-eight offenders charged. In the only incident where an offender has not been charged police are following up an identified suspect.

ARSON - 4 for January (1 December) - One offender charged with criminal damage by fire. Overnight 8th and 12th January unknown offenders set a rubbish bin and industrial bin alight at a church in Maryvale Rd. The other arson incident relates to a stolen vehicle which was found burnt out when located.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 25 for January (30 December) - Thirteen offenders charged. A number of these persons are the same as those charged with assault related offences. On 12th January a male and female in their 20s driving a red commodore sedan were observed spraying graffiti outside a shop in Mc Donald St.

BURGLARY - 13 for January (11 December) - A purple mini bike was stolen overnight 20th January from a residence in Sherrin St. A photo of the mini bike can be viewed on the Eyewatch Latrobe Facebook page. Two stalls at a market in Latrobe Rd were broken into with both having locks cut and various pieces of property were stolen on 15th and 20th January.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 4 for January (1 December) - One offender charged. A set of number plates was stolen from a vehicle in Comans St however they have now been located. A wallet was stolen from a vehicle in the Mid Valley car park when the windows were left slightly down thus rendering the central locking ineffective.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 5 for January (4 December) - Four of the vehicles stolen were located with two offenders charged with theft of motor vehicle. The only outstanding vehicle at the time of publication is the 2005 purple mini bike stolen from Sherrin St on 20/01/14.

THEFT - 14 for January (12 December) - Six offenders charged. On 16th January a purse which was left on a table in Mid Valley was taken by an unknown person. A photo of a female that police think can assist them has been placed on the Eyewatch Latrobe Facebook page.

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

ROBBERY - 1 for January (1 December) - One offender faces two counts of armed robbery whilst another faces one count of attempted robbery.

ASSAULT - 27 for January (36 December) – Twenty-two offenders charged with two facing multiple counts. Police are also following up two identified suspects in relation to incidents in Furlonger St and Grey St.

ARSON - 4 for January (1 December) - Police are investigating a fire which was lit in one room of an abandoned residence in Mill St on 14th January. Evidence suggests the residence is being used by squatters. A rubbish bin was set alight overnight 14th January in Tyers-Walhalla Rd, Tyers.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 35 for January (37 December) - Sixteen offenders charged with property damage offences with three facing multiple counts. Sometime between 3rd and 6th January unknown offenders damaged park benches at the Wirilda Environment Park, Tyers. A number of the damages were committed on vehicles in residential streets.

BURGLARY - 11 for January (26 December) - One offender charged whilst police are following up an identified suspect in relation to another burglary. Three motorbikes were stolen from a disused motor inn on Princes Hwy overnight 8th January. Photos of the bikes are featured on Eyewatch Latrobe Facebook page.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 10 for January (54 December) - One offender charged. Another offender has been cautioned for the same offence. Unlocked vehicles are still an issue for police with four of the victims leaving the vehicles unlocked.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 6 for January (4 December) - One offender charged and the vehicle was located. At the time of publication the other vehicles remain outstanding.

ZKE259 a 2001 Ford Ute black in colour stolen on 03/01/14 from Wirilda Cres; and

XAJ054 a 1999 Holden sedan blue in colour stolen 10/01/14 from Franklin St; and

Three motorcycles from Princes Hwy on 8/01/14 – 2011 Honda CBR1000 silver, 2002 Yamaha YZ250 blue and a 1962 Norton Dominator silver.

THEFT - 18 for January (24 December) - Five offenders charged. Two will face multiple counts. Police are also following up two identified suspects. A 2009 Casuarina Ozzie Camper trailer was stolen from Swallow Gr overnight 7th January. Photos of the van can be viewed on Eyewatch Latrobe Facebook page.

VALE STAN WRIGHT NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH VOLUNTEER AND GOOD BLOKE

Folks I received some very sad news this week when I was told that local Neighbourhood Watch stalwart, Stan Wright, had passed away on Tuesday.

Stan was a huge supporter of Neighbourhood Watch and had been involved in Neighbourhood Watch virtually right from the start in our area. In fact many folks can't remember NHW locally without Stan.

He was the Area Manager for LTB15 for many years and served on the Divisional executive as well.

Stan was also known locally for his photography. There would be very few events displays, or presentations where Stan could not be found without a camera and telling folks to move one way or the other or to smile. It didn't matter who you were either. I was one of the few police members who had a smile on my face when at an awards ceremony Stan told Assistant Commissioner Wendy Steendam to "Move to your left love."

Stan will be sadly missed by all but most of all by his loving wife Judy and his family. Our thoughts and love are with Judy and the kids at this very sad time.

LSC Brett Godden, Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator/Community Liaison officer, Morwell.

LATROBE VALLEY SAYS THANK YOU

FUNDRAISER FOR OUR LOCAL FIRE FIGHTERS

As a part of the National ‘Thank a Firey Day’ Morwell Neighbourhood House in conjunction with The Twin City Archery Club will be hosting a THANK YOU fundraiser for our local fire fighters.

Giving above and beyond the call of duty, we are acknowledging the outstanding service of our local brigades.

This is your chance to show your appreciation to our local fire fighters. Come along and support this wonderful event and please spread the work.

Venue: Twin City Archery Club, Toners Lane Archery Park, Morwell

Date: Friday 14th March Time: 4pm – 8pm All activities and food purchases will be $2.00.

Other activities will include: *Sausage Sizzle *Face painting *Have a go with a Bow *Police display

*KOKO the CLOWN *Captain Koala * CFA community education Trailer * In spite of ourselves

EYEWATCH LATROBE KEPT US INFORMED. ONE-STOP PAGE DURING LATROBE'S FIRE EMERGENCY.

In times of emergency such as our fire crisis this week in Hearns Oak, Yallourn, Morwell, Driffield, Hazelwood, Maryvale and the surrounding areas, the community craves information and desperately seeks it anyway it can.

We are rightly discouraged from ringing the 000 emergency line in our attempts to find out information as 000 is not an information service – it is an emergency response service. Information requests to 000 clogs the emergency telephone system and can delay help getting to those who are genuinely in need of assistance.

So we trawl the internet, Facebook, watch television, listen to the radio when we want instantaneous information.

During this emergency many people discovered that the Eyewatch – Latrobe Police Service Area had became our one stop shop for emergency information and referred us on when necessary.

Whilst Victoria Police was not the lead agency during this emergency, it was actively promoting the 'One Voice, One Message' adopted by all the agencies involved. LSC Brett Godden, our Latrobe Police Community Liaison Officer, kept us updated by posting not only Victoria Police Information, but sharing relevant posts that he knew we were all looking for. He made Eyewatch the Facebook page of choice for many of us during this emergency. Brett posted and shared:

• Victoria Police updates and appeals to the community;
• Fire updates from the CFA;
• Road Closures from VicRoads;
• Relief Centre and evacuation information from Latrobe City;
• Media posts from the Latrobe Valley Express, ABC Gippsland Radio and other media outlets;
• Weather maps from the Bureau of Meteorology;
• School and kindergarten closures;

You do not have to be a member of Facebook to follow the Eyewatch posts so, next time we find ourselves in an emergency situation, consider using our Eyewatch – Latrobe Police Service Area Facebook page which you can fine at https://www.facebook.com/eyewatchlatrobepsa?ref=ts&fref=ts

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au

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