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Neighbourhood Watch Latrobe Crimewatch News, Latrobe Police Service AreaHot Spots, Crime Watch/Safer Communities Group Reports, Freeway Closure Update. By Malcolm Lawrence - 23rd May 2011 - Back to News Latrobe Crime Watch News
Latrobe Police Service Area
Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities
MAY 2011
COMING EVENTS: OPEN INVITATION TO ALL LATROBE VALLEY RESIDENTS
Wednesday 25th May 2011 – Churchill Town/CDCA Meeting - Churchill Pub Meeting Room - 7 pm Thursday 19th May 2011 - Yinnar Town Meeting - Yinnar Hotel – 7.30 pm
Wednesday 1st June 2011 - Morwell Town Meeting-Milne Bay Room, Morwell RSL, Elgin St – 7 pm
Monday 6th June 2011 - Moe/Newborough Town Meeting - Moe RSL Albert Street, Moe – 7 pm Tuesday 7th June 2011 - Traralgon Town Meeting – Traralgon Police Station, Kay Street - 7.15 pm
Wednesday 8th June 2011 - Yallourn North Town Meeting – Yallourn North Bowling Club – 7.30 pm
Wednesday 15th June 2011 - NHW Police Showband & Pipe Band Concert – Kernot Hall Morwell
HOT SPOTS – POLICE NEED THE PUBLIC’S HELP
THEFT OF FREEWAY BOLLARDS
The community is well aware of the closure of the Princess Freeway between Morwell and Traralgon. Over the past few weeks it has been reported to Police that numerous road signs and bollards have been stolen from between the first and second Morwell exit, Traralgon bound. This presents a serious safety risk and hinders police efforts to protect the community as it gives the appearance the freeway may be open. Police remind the community if they see something suspicious they should ring 000 or if they have information in relation to this offence offence contact Constable CORMIO at Morwell Police on 5131 5000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppers.com.au.
NHW POLICE SHOWBAND AND PIPE BAND CONCERT
The extremely popular annual Neighbourhood Watch Police Showband and Police Pipe Band Concert is on again at Kernot Hall, Morwell on Wednesday June 15th, commencing at 7.30 pm. Doors open at 7.00pmTickets cost $7.00 per head, which includes a light supper at interval provided by Morwell Lions Club. Each year the crowd is bigger and more diverse, with people trying to book for the next concert as they leave after a highly entertaining evening. The bands cater to all ages from big band arrangements to the ever popular finale of the AC/DC classic "Long Way to Top The Top" featuring both bands. Neighbourhood Watch would like to thank the Lions Club of Morwell who always assists with catering on the night, feeding the bands and providing a light supper at interval. We would also like to thank Latrobe Shire for their support of this event as well as the continued support of TRUenergy, Pazzazz Printing, Workways, Morwell RSL, ProRent Morwell, and GEST. Tickets can be obtained through your local Neighbourhood Watch volunteer or by contacting Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden, Victoria Police Community Liaison Officer on 5131 5085 or email brett.godden@police.vic.gov.au.
APRIL NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/SAFER COMMUNITIES GROUP REPORTS
MORWELL MEETING and CRIME REPORT
APRIL ISSUES Freeway Closure – Update from Brett and general discussion. Brett will take all issues raised and suggestions for traffic diversions & street alterations to the Emergency Management Team and to the Strategic Advisory Group.
Untidy households and vacant premises – Gerrard explained the process with estate agents and DHS. Both very cooperative and results achieved. Just let them know the addresses.
Dangerous intersection Butters and Angus Street - To Latrobe City as is a council intersection.
Elderly Resident Crossing Signs needed on Maryvale Road near Heritage Manor – Write to VicRoads as is its road.
Power Lines to Residences Running Through Tree Foliage. Who’s responsible? – On private property the owner, on public land the power company. Any doubts ring SP Ausnet.
Removal of Graffiti - Significant graffiti was reported to Council on Feb 14 still there a month later. Nothing but praise from Brett as council and Morwell’s NHW graffiti team working very closely together in partnership. One team member has been away working interstate but has now returned. Will be removed quicker now team member is back.
CRIME REPORT - ROBBERY - 1 for April (1 March) - The victim was assaulted by two males outside the Merton Rush on the 22nd April and had a wallet stolen. There is no description of the offenders except they were aboriginal males.
ASSAULT - 11 for April (12 March) - In all eleven assaults an offender has been charged. A number of the offences were committed whilst the offender was under the influence of alcohol.
ARSON - 3 for April (1 March) - All three arsons were criminal damages by fire. A bin, a fence and a vehicle out in the street were damaged by unknown offenders setting fire to the items.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 25 for April (32 March) - One offender charged with property damage offences after a spate of graffiti was sprayed on vehicles, fences and surrounding property on the 18th April in the Junier St, Vary St and Symons Cres area. Police are following up on a co offender.
BURGLARY - 22 for April (14 March) - A number of sporting clubs and educational facilities were targeted. The Morwell Cricket Club was burgled twice in a few days around the 28th April. Four offenders were charged with burglary offences with three being charged after entering the gymnasium at Woollum Bellum.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 7 April (8 March) - A set of registration plates was stolen from a vehicle at GippsTAFE. In all other cases vehicles were left unlocked and had property visible. Wallets were left in full view in three of the thefts. Police remind vehicle owners to lock their vehicles even in their own driveways and not to leave handbags and wallets in vehicles overnight.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 7 April (4 March) – Six of the vehicles have been recovered and four offenders have been charged. The only vehicle not recovered is a Nissan Patrol registration number WGM019, was stolen from George St Morwell on 19th April.
THEFT - 14 for April (12 March) - Two offenders charged. One was charged after a petrol theft in a stolen vehicle. There were three other petrol thefts and police are working with service stations to alleviate this offence by increasing security.
ISSUES RAISED APRIL – Discussion re crimes statistics, old NHW areas vs whole-town version. Overwhelming support for continuation of the new whole-town system of reporting. Vegetation smothering Waterhole Creek – response from West Gippsland Water Authority read to meeting. Freeway Closure – meeting updated. NHW Newsletter Format – overwhelming support to maintain in this current format. Crime Prevention Signage – investigating possible submission for funding. New Taxi Rank Lighting and Signage – Brett to follow up. Untidy Houses – addresses to be passed on to appropriate authorities.
YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT
APRIL ISSUES - Brett on leave at time meeting held. Apology sent. Nil issues from last meeting passed on.
CRIME REPORT - ASSAULT - Nil for April (1 March)
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 1 for the month (3 March) - One offender has been charged with a property damage as a result of an ongoing local feud.
BURGLARY - Nil for April (Nil March)
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 1 for April (Nil March) - Unknown offenders stole a set of registration plates from a vehicle parked in a residential driveway in North Rd.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 1 for April (Nil March) - The victim left his vehicle on Anderson’s Rd after it broke down and returned later to find that the vehicle has been stolen. It has not been recovered to date.
THEFT (OTHER) - 3 for April (Nil March) - A water pump was stolen from near a dam in the Boral yard. Two portable preliminary breathalyser units were stolen from the entrance gate to TRUEnergy. The first unit was stolen between the 6th and 11th April. The second unit was stolen between the 13th and 20th April.
ISSUES RAISED APRIL –
MOE MEETING and CRIME REPORT
APRIL ISSUES - NHW Sign has still not been erected in High St Moe - Brett has asked the depot to erect the sign.
Motorcycles at the rear of Orana Seniors Village - Details of dates and times are being collected and will be passed to Brett.
CRIME REPORT - ROBBERY - 2 for April (Nil March) - One offender charged after a robbery and assault on the Rail Trail in Narracan Dr. Police are investigating the other robbery which occurred in Prince St on 11th April.
ASSAULT - 8 for April (17 March) - In nearly all cases of assault offenders have been charged. One offender was charged with drunk, assault police and resist arrest after a fight between two males. All other offenders were charges as a result of family violence incidents with police having to attend one address on two occasions.
ARSON - 1 for April (2 March) - Two offenders charged after green council bins were set alight in Newark Ave on the 11th April.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 12 for April (17 March) - Of the twelve damages reported seven involved the damage of windows. Two which occurred overnight 13th April in Lincoln and Lloyd Street may have been the same offenders. A vehicle in Scorpio Dr was damaged with a key whilst parked in the driveway.
BURGLARY - 8 for April (16 March) - One offender charged with burglary after breaking into Moe Motorcycles. The Pharmacy in Boolarra Ave Newborough was targeted overnight on both the 12th and 13th April with medication stolen on both occasions. Construction sites in South and Vale Sts were also targeted with copper cable being stolen on both occasions.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 37 for April (31 March) - The majority of TFMC relate to the theft of vehicle badges. Nearly all thefts were committed whilst vehicles were parked in residential driveways or outside the victim’s residence. There were twenty-one separate locations where the offences were committed. Police have charged seven offenders aged 16 years and under with theft, with the main offenders facing in excess of fourteen charges each.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 3 for April (7 March) - All three vehicles have been recovered. A motorcycle stolen from Chamberlain Rd was recovered later in Johnfield Dr burnt out. One owner had his vehicle stolen after leaving the vehicle unlocked and with the keys in the ignition. Police remind vehicle owners that leaving vehicles unlocked and especially with keys in the ignition makes it ridiculously easy for thieves to steal their vehicles.
THEFT (OTHER) - 5 for April (10 March) - Offenders stole a number of gas bottles from Thrifty Link in Moore St. A scooter was stolen by a young female whilst the victim was in Magnum Video. None of the property has been recovered. Garden tools, cigarettes and a phone were amongst the other items stolen from private residences.
ISSUES RAISED APRIL MEETING – Planning for first Community Audit – held on Saturday 7th May. Planning for Child Car Restraint checking day. Crime Statistics, old NHW areas v whole-town version – reverting to old system will be a step backwards.
CHURCHILL and DISTRICT MEETING and CRIME REPORT
APRIL ISSUES - Youths causing trouble at shopping centre. To Churchill Police to step up patrols in the area.
CRIME REPORT - ROBBERY - 2 for April (Nil March) - One offender charged with robbery after an incident in Glendonald Park. A male was assaulted when a male and female made demands on him for his phone and wallet. The victim was left with injuries to his face. Latrobe CIU is following up with the investigation.
ASSAULTS - 5 for April (6 March) - Three offenders charged with assault related offences. Two incidents involved family violence whilst one resulted in a student being suspended from school. A suspect is being sought after an incident at the hotel.
ARSON - 2 for April (Nil March) - One offender has been charged with two counts of criminal damage by fire.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 14 for April (15 March) - Four offenders charged. Towards the end of the month a number of vehicles had their tyres slashed in the area of McInnes Cr, Barooga Cr and in the car park at West Pl. Another vehicle was "keyed" in the car park around the same time.
BURGLARY - 14 for April (6 March) - One offender charged with two counts of burglary. A premises in Ikara Way was burgled three times. On each occasion the offenders have caused more damage and removed more items from the residence. Police ask the community that if they see any suspicious behaviour around vacant houses to contact 000 immediately and report it to police.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for April (2 March) - One victim in Fraser Cres had two unlocked vehicles entered, was alerted by his dogs and chased the offender. He was unable to catch the offender who is described as tall, skinny build, 16-17 years and wearing a grey hoody. Wallets and cash were stolen from all three thefts.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for April (1 March) - Both vehicles have been recovered. Unfortunately the vehicle stolen from the shed of the Churchill Cricket Club was burnt out when recovered. This vehicle was stolen along with covers, sports equipment and other items belong to both the Cricket Club and the Baseball Club.
THEFT - 4 for April (1 March) - Alcohol and cash were amongst the items stolen with a wallet being taken from a bag at the Leisure Centre. Police remind the community to be aware of the wallets, phones and iPods at all times and unless absolutely necessary should not be left somewhere when the owner is away from them.
ISSUES RAISED APRIL – Meeting not held at time of printing.
TRARALGON MEETING and CRIME REPORT
Please note the June meeting will be held at the Traralgon Police Station.
MARCH ISSUES - Freeway closure - Brett provided an update and advice re the Princes Freeway closure.
The Traralgon railway station precinct toilets – the graffiti in the toilets are not only an eyesore but are extremely graphic.
VLine have now taken over the toilets which will be closed whilst renovations are undertaken.
CRIME REPORT
ASSAULT - 18 for April (16 March) - Seven offenders charged with most being as a result of family violence incidents. A number of the offences were committed in or around the entertainment precinct with at least two being committed on security staff at licensed premises after trying to eject alcohol affected persons.
ARSON - 1 for April (Nil March) - Two suspects are being followed up for an arson committed on the Scout Hall in Gilmour St around 6.00pm on the 23rd April.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 28 for April (33 March) - Four offenders charged after family violence incidents. A large number of letterboxes were damaged overnight on the 24th April in Gordon St, Alexandra Ave and Franklin St. Windows on residential premises, business premises and restaurants were also damaged by the throwing of rocks and bottles.
BURGLARY - 15 for April (8 March) - St Gabriel’s and Traralgon Secondary College were both targeted with rooms or sheds broken into. Most of the others were committed on residential garages and sheds most of which were unlocked. Various property ranging from garden implements to power tools were stolen.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 14 for April (19 March) - Apart from one that occurred in parklands all other thefts were committed in residential driveways or outside the victim’s residence. Nine of the vehicles were unlocked with one victim leaving the keys in the ignition. Items such as handbags, purses, GPS units and CD’s were stolen.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 6 for April (3 March) - Two small 50cc motorbikes which were stolen at the same time Gippsland Radiators was burgled have yet to be recovered. The theft and burglary occurred on the 5th April and may be linked to other offences which were committed nearby at the same time. Another vehicle stolen overnight from Steele Crt on the 1st of April has not been recovered. All other vehicles stolen have been recovered and returned to the owners.
THEFT - 15 for April (24 March) - Two offenders charged. One offender is facing sixteen charges at court. Theft of fuel from petrol stations was the most common offence. Police are working with service stations in relation to heightening security and stopping this type of theft.
ISSUES RAISED APRIL – Vehicle doing burnouts in Taylor Cres area – passed to Traralgon Police and to the Highway Patrol.
Up to what age can you ride a bike on the footpath? – Up to 12 years of age with an exemption to all adults who are teaching a child under the age of 12 to ride and the road laws. Crime Statistics, old NHW areas vs whole-town version – reverting to old system seen as a backwards step, prefer to know what is occurring across the whole town.
FREEWAY CLOSURE UPDATE
Hello everyone,
This is my first update as the Incident Controller since returning from leave. I have appreciated the efforts of Superintendent Geoff Newby from East Gippsland during my absence and his assistance with fully briefing me since resuming my duties.
With Easter now behind us we have returned to managing the volume of traffic we have become accustomed to passing through Morwell over the last three and a half months since the freeway was closed. The Emergency Management Team (EMT) is constantly reviewing data surrounding the land movement between Wallace Street and the mine batter and we will continue to provide updates as information comes to hand.
Professor Tim Sullivan’s report has been received and is being analysed and discussed by the stakeholders; VicRoads, International Power Hazelwood, the Department of Primary Industries and Latrobe City Council. Fully absorbing the report will of course take some time. The Police Department will continue to chair the EMT until we move into the recovery phrase for the freeway closure.
This week the Deputy Premier, the Hon. Peter Ryan, will be attending a briefing by EMT members on Thursday in Morwell.
I will report back to you next week any news from this week’s EMT meeting via the next special edition of this newsletter. Also, keep a look out for our fortnightly column appearing in the Latrobe Valley Express.
Yours sincerely
Tess Walsh
Superintendent
Incident Controller
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
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au
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Nationals MP Martin Cameron blamed the Victorian Labor government after Opal announced 84 job cuts at Maryvale, arguing forestry policy and timber supply failures caused ongoing workforce losses. - East Gippsland Shire Council consults service street businesses on proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation and Nicholson street mall improvements
East Gippsland Shire Council is consulting Service Street businesses on a proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation, while Nicholson Street Mall upgrades aim to improve safety and amenity. - Moe Town Hall seeks resident organisation to activate historic venue through regular community arts programs until 30 September 2026
Latrobe City Council has opened expressions of interest for an organisation to establish an ongoing residency at Moe Town Hall, delivering regular arts, cultural and community activities while keeping the venue accessible. - Live and Loud at GPAC brings AFL Grand Final action, family fun and entertainment to Traralgon on 26 September 2026
Latrobe City Council will host Live and Loud at GPAC on September 26, featuring family activities, entertainment, a ticketed musical-acrobat performance and free live screening of the 2026 AFL Grand Final. - Moe Inline Hockey Championships secure five-year council funding, expected to boost $15M into local economy through visitor spending
Latrobe City Council will provide $100,000 over five years to support Moe’s Australian Inline Hockey Club Championships, expected to generate $15 million locally through visitor spending and accommodation.
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