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Latrobe Crime Watch News Letter Latrobe Police Service Area October 2012

Neighbourhood Watch Safer Communities Reports,Divisional Managers Report, Police work Nabs Comercial Burglar, Local Law on The Keeping of Animals, Number Plate Theft prevention.

By Malcolm Lawrence - 26th October 2012 - Back to News

Latrobe Crime Watch News
Latrobe Police Service Area
Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities
October 2012

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

Wednesday 24th October 2011 – Churchill Town/CDCA Meeting - Churchill Community Hall - 7 pm

Sunday 28th October – Hazelwood Car Show – NHW Display – Gaskin Park - Churchill – 9.30 am

Monday 5th November 2012 – Moe/Newborough Town Meeting – Moe RSL – Albert Street, Moe – 7pm

Tuesday 6th November – Traralgon Town Meeting - Traralgon Police Station, Kay St, Traralgon – 7pm Wednesday 7th November 2012 – Morwell Town Meeting – Morwell RSL – Elgin Street, Morwell – 7pm

Wednesday 12th December 2012 - Yallourn North Town Meeting–Yallourn North Bowling Club –7 pm

Sunday 18th November – NHW State Awards – Blackman Hall – University of Melb – Hawthorn Campus – tickets through LSC Godden, NHW Coordinator – 5131 5085.

Wednesday 21st November - Yinnar Town Meeting - Yinnar Hotel – 7.30 pm

Wednesday 28th November 2011 – Churchill Town/CDCA Meeting - Churchill Community Hall - 7 pm

Tuesday 4th December – Divisional Area Meeting - Morwell Police Complex – 7pm.

GREAT CATCH FOR LATROBE DETECTIVES
OLD FASHIONED POLICE WORK NABS COMMERCIAL BURGLAR

We were ready to go to press with our monthly Hot Spot being an appeal by police for the public’s assistance to help identify the offender or offenders responsible for a series of commercial burglaries committed overnight on Wednesday 17th October and into the morning of Thursday 18th October in the Moe Central Business District. Three of the four premises targeted on this occasion were medical/dental businesses.

However, when we presented our final draft to the detective investigating the burglaries, he informed us he had just interviewed the offender. Therefore, instead of losing our story, we are reporting the good catch instead.

The Latrobe Criminal Investigation Unit has brought the recent spate of commercial burglaries across Morwell, Moe and Traralgon, to a halt with the arrest of a male.

Police were investigating multiple burglaries, which were committed on commercial premises including medical centres, computers shops, beauty salons, industrial premises and other business premises.

Old-fashioned police investigation techniques led to police identifying an alleged male offender, who has now been interviewed and charged with approximately thirty counts of burglary and theft. The charges relate to eighteen incidents of burglary across the Latrobe Valley’s three major towns.

DIVISIONAL MANAGERS’ MEETING REPORT

On Tuesday 9th October, 2012, the Neighbourhood Watch/Safer Community Group Eastern Region Division 5 Divisional Managers held their bi-monthly meeting at Morwell Police Headquarters. Representatives from across our four Local Government Areas attended the meeting.

A motion was put and passed for Eastern Region Division 5 NHW to purchase two portable surveillance cameras for the use by local police to catch offenders when problem areas are identified. The cameras will be used as a crime prevention tool and will be a great asset for the local police. They will be available for police use throughout the whole division, which includes Latrobe City and Baw Baw, Bass Coast and South Gippsland Shires.

Our Police NHW Co-ordinator, Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden, showed examples of media that Neighbourhood Watch/Safer Community groups have been involved in – Bass Valley News has now given us a page in its newsletter. The Bass Coast Post online service now has the Bass Coast NHW page listed in their Community Groups Directory. We continue to expand into Bass Coast and South Gippsland Shires.

Latrobe area managers reported on events happening in their towns and issues of concern.

On Monday 17th September 2012 a successful Safe Plate Day was conducted by the Moe Neighbourhood Watch/Safer Communities Group on behalf of the senior citizens from the Latrobe Village & Orana Senior Citizens Club. LSC Brett Godden headed the team, ably assisted by Jake & Joan Van der Koogh & Victor & Carol Toon. They fitted 28 vehicles with safety screws.

On Tuesday the 18th September LSC Brett Godden, accompanied by Jake & Joan Van der Koogh from Moe NHW/Safer Communities Group presented Scouting NHW Badges to 12 Cubs, Scouts & leaders from the 1st Moe Cub Group. Before receiving their badges the children were questioned on their knowledge of the NHW badge requirements. Scout leader, Cheryl Hibbs, reported "We all had a great night, Thank you. All the children went home talking about the night"

Morwell’s Anti-Graffiti Team lead by Gerard Traynor and Betty Glass, will be teaming with Kurnai College to tackle graffiti under Waterhole Creek/Princes Dve Bridge. The plan is to have students paint an appropriate mural in the area.

On October 28th Latrobe NHW will support the annual Hazelwood Car & Bike Show, to be held at Churchill Football ground, by setting up our NHW /Safer Communities Group display. This year we will be teaming with Latrobe City Local Laws, which will provide an animal impound vehicle for display and Victoria Police will provide a police car.

Churchill Safe Town Group is looking at hooning and passing reports received by citizens onto local Police.

Unfortunately the groups’s application for a Radio Station licence for Churchill (tourist & emergency) has been rejected by ACMA.

The possibility of a web based radio station is being researched by Peter Gray and an application to go onto iPhones etc for people to "log in" and listen to town info.

Traralgon’s LTB2 area reports the main concern at the moment is graffiti.

The group is planning a curb numbering day now that the weather is improving.

The group will continue to produce its area specific NHW newsletter and its plan at the moment is to make the community aware of various local laws, such as vehicles parking on nature strips.

Yallourn North reports its main problem at the moment is family violence and resulting property damage and the smashing car and house windows. There had been some dumping of cars in the street but complaints to Latrobe City Local Laws saw the vehicles promptly removed.

SEPTEMBER NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/SAFER COMMUNITIES GROUP REPORTS

BOOLARRA/YINNAR DISTRICT CRIME REPORT

ASSAULTS - 1 for September (1 August) - One offender charged with unlawful assault as a result of a family violence incident

PROPERTY DAMAGE - Nil for September (1 August)

BURGLARY - 1 for September (Nil August) - Sometime between 4th and 11th September unknown offenders forced a window on a property in Limonite Rd.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for September (1 August)

CHURCHILL and DISTRICT MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES JEERALANG)

PREVIOUS ISSUES – Nil

ASSAULTS - 3 for September (4 August) - In all incidents an offender was charged with one facing a charge of assault police.

ARSON - Nil for September (2 August)

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 6 for September (7 August) - Two offenders charged. The toilets in Glendonald Park were damaged by three offenders on 2nd September whilst graffiti was written on the door of the Civic Centre by another group on 9th September.

BURGLARY - 1 for September (4 August) - On 3rd September unknown offenders damaged five fly wire screens on windows of a residence in Walker Pde in an attempt to gain entry to the premises.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 3 for September (5 August) - Overnight 11th September unknown offenders stole fuel from a vehicle parked outside an address in Auchterlonie Cres. On the same night there was an attempt to steal fuel from another vehicle in the same street. Groceries and a handbag were stolen from an unlocked vehicle in the car park of the Churchill CBD on 14th September.

THEFT - Nil for September (3 August)

ISSUES RAISED – Meeting not held at time of printing.

MORWELL MEETING and CRIME REPORT(INCLUDES TYERS)

PREVIOUS ISSUES - No meeting held due to severe weather event – no issues notified.

SEX OFFENCES - Four offenders charged with offences of a sexual nature.

ROBBERY - 2 for September (2 August) - On 18th September an unknown male offender entered the United Service Station Morwell armed with a knife and made demands for money. On 19th September two unknown offenders entered the McDonalds store, Morwell armed with a meat cleaver and knife and made demands for money. Police are still investigating both robberies.

ASSAULT - 19 for September (20 August) - 16 offenders charged with one facing three counts of assault police. Police are following up suspects in relation to an assault in Airlie Bank Rd on 10th September and an incident on Princes Freeway on 20th September.

ARSON - 2 for September (1 August) - Unknown offenders lit a fire at the rear of the basketball courts at Kurnai College on 20th September whilst a vehicle was set alight in Vincent Rd overnight 27th September causing damage to the house as well.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 27 for September (28 August) - Eight offenders charged. There have been a large number of damages to windows caused by unknown offenders firing marbles/ball bearings from a slingshot. Overnight 16th September two vehicles in Comans St had tyres slashed.

BURGLARY - 22 for September (16 August) - A large number of the burglaries were committed in residential areas with windows being smashed to gain entry. A number also had unlocked windows or doors used as the point of entry. On 2nd and 4th September two units in Savige St were entered with an Xbox and laptop stolen.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 12 for the month (9 August) - All except three of the thefts from motor vehicle were committed in residential areas. Between 10th and 21st September two vehicles were targeted twice in Maryvale Cres and McMillan St. Both vehicles had fuel stolen from them after unknown offenders forced fuel caps.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 4 for September (1 August) - One offender charged with two of the stolen vehicles recovered. Overnight 1st September there were two attempted thefts of motor vehicle in Stephenson St. A 1988 Honda motorcycle white & red stolen 22nd September from Gona St, and a 1989 Suzuki RM125 motorcycle yellow stolen 19th September from Church St, Morwell remain outstanding.

THEFT - 16 for September (15 August) - Two offenders charged. Two of the thefts were committed when the victims left their bag, handbag or wallet at a location and walked away from them. Police remind the community to keep your belongings with you at all times.

ISSUES RAISED SEPTEMBER – Nil.

MOE/NEWBOROUGH MEETING and CRIME REPORT

PREVIOUS ISSUES - Graffiti on road sign on Hernes Oak overpass – Passed to VicRoads for attention – has now been cleaned.

SEX OFFENCES - Police are investigating a wilful and obscene exposure committed on the Princes Freeway on 18th September.

ASSAULT - 21 for September (17 August) - 18 offenders charged with 14 as a result of family violence incidents. Police are following up suspects in relation to three offences, one of which involved four young females assaulting another female at the Moe Railway Station.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 28 for September (20 August) - Nine offenders charged. Windows were the main targets on residences and shops with a number being damaged by small missiles which appear to be "fired" from a slingshot or similar.

BURGLARY - 11 for September (6 August) - A shop in Moore St had two thefts in September with mobile phones stolen from a staff area on both occasions. A 50kg front door was stolen from a property under construction in Truscott Rd overnight 4th September.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 7 for September (3 August) - There were four incidents where a single number plate or a set of plates were stolen from vehicles in residential driveways or parked on the street. Overnight 6th September a GPS, mobile phone and coins were stolen from an unlocked vehicle in Beck St. Overnight 16th September CD’s and paperwork were stolen in South St whilst a taillight assembly was stolen in Alexander Ave around 19th September.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 3 for September (Nil August) - All three vehicles stolen during September were recovered.

THEFT (OTHER) - 4 for September (6 August) - Sometime between 1st and 18th September two round bale hay feeders were stolen from a rural property in Thompson Rd. A vehicle with a trailer would have been needed to transport the feeders as they are 6 foot in diameter.

ISSUES RAISED SEPTEMBER - Ken Findlay has begun the graffiti audits with information being fed to Victoria Police for tasking of units.

TRARALGON MEETING and CRIME REPORT

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

PREVIOUS ISSUES – Hoon driving in the Rialto Court area – Information passed to Latrobe Highway Patrol.

ROBBERY - Nil for September (2 August)

ASSAULT - 41 for September (29 August) - 36 offenders charged, with some facing multiple charges. Three of the incidents occurred in the entertainment precinct whilst Cameron St had two, Kay St five, Furlonger St three and Franklin St four incidents.

ARSON - 2 for September (11 August) - A hedge in Comans Crt and a bin in parkland in Bayley Dr were both set alight on 24th September. Both incidents caused minimal damage after being put out by CFA. Police believe these may be connected to other arson incidents.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 30 for September (39 August) - Five offenders charged. A large number of the damages were caused by unknown offenders "firing" marbles, ball bearings or similar objects at windows from a slingshot or similar device.

BURGLARY - 13 for September (6 August) - Four offenders charged. Overnight 2nd September two residences in Rhodes Crt, Glengarry were entered with jewellery, cameras, alcohol, vehicle keys and a scooter stolen. Both residences had fly wire screens cut. There was an attempted burglary on the same night in Kyne St.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 16 for September (7 August) - All except three of the thefts from motor vehicles occurred in residential areas with most incidents in driveways. Overnight 29th September three vehicles were entered with two attempts in the Cairnbrook Rd, Glengarry area. Three of the vehicles were unlocked whilst the two attempts were on locked vehicles.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 5 for September (4 August) - Of the five vehicles stolen during September the only vehicle not recovered is a 1990 Suzuki Quad bike blue and white which was stolen from an open shed on a property in Hopkins Crt, Hazelwood North overnight 11th September.

THEFT - 13 for September (6 August) - Six offenders charged or cautioned. On 9th September a mobile phone was stolen from a victim when a passer-by asked to borrow the phone to make a call. Police advise against the practice of letting unknown people use your phone.

ISSUES RAISED SEPTEMBER – Photos of graffiti at the Traralgon east Community Centre – Photos given to LSC Godden who reminded the membership graffiti needs to be reported to the police prior to the cleaning of the damage. Senior Sergeant Scully – Officer in Charge of Traralgon Police Station - attended the meeting and addressed individual concerns raised at the meeting.

YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT

PREVIOUS ISSUES – Nil

ASSAULT - 1 for Sept (Nil August) - One offender charged with making threats to kill as the result of a family violence incident.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 2 for September (2 August) - The offender charged with making threats to kill has also been charged with a property damage offence. A vehicle parked outside a residential address in Low Rd had its windscreen damaged by a ball bearing or similar. This is part of a series of similar offences across Latrobe and Baw Baw Police areas.

BURGLARY - 2 for September (Nil August) - Overnight 8th September unknown offenders attempted to enter a building at the Yallourn North Primary School. Unknown offenders were also unsuccessful in gaining entry to a residence in Third St on 18th September however; they did damage the glass panel in the door.

THEFT (OTHER) - 2 for September (1 August) - A 14 month old horse was stolen from a paddock in Howletts Track between 1st and 4th September. A padlock and chain on a gate were cut to allow entry to the horse. A chainsaw bar, which had been left lodged in a tree, was stolen from a property in Linkside Crt between 9th and 11th September.

ISSUES RAISED – Nil.

CONDUCT AN OPERATION SAFE PLATE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR YOUR COMMUNITY PROJECT

Number Plate theft is an ever-present element in theft from motorcar crime statistics. Owners often do not know their number plates have been stolen until police come knocking on their door to inform them the number plates have been used in an armed robbery, burglary or a petrol drive-off from a service station. Sometimes owners do not know their number plate has been stolen until they receive a fine from City Link or East Link.

The theft of number plates causes great inconvenience to the owners of motor vehicles.

When number plates are stolen the owner has to:

  1. report the theft to police;
  2. visit VicRoads to arrange replacements at the owner’s cost;
  3. carry the receipt for the replacement plates in the car to prove to police replacements have been ordered if the owner is intercepted when driving;
  4. notify his/her insurance company and auto club;
  5. notify toll companies such as City Link and East Link.

Operation Safeplate involves replacing standard numberplate screws with Safeplate or theft proof "one-way" screws. The screws can be fitted to nearly all vehicles and are easily installed using a standard flat bladed screwdriver. However, they can only be removed using a specially designed security screwdrivers kept at most Victoria Police Stations and at VicRoads’ offices.

Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden, the Division’s Community Liaison Officer (CLO) and Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator says, "The community needs to take some responsibility by securing their number plates. Unfortunately, vehicles from the factory generally do not come with number plate safety screws fitted.

For a small donation at an Operation Safeplate event, you can achieve the peace of mind of knowing you will not be the victim of number plate theft.

Remember, thieves want to act and get away quickly. If you can slow them down they will leave your car alone and move onto an easier target," LSC Godden said.

If you wish to have the peace of mind of knowing you will not fall victim to number plate theft, you can organise for an Operation Safeplate morning/afternoon/day to be conducted in your town. All you need to do is organise some volunteers to help fit the screws and then contact our CLO/NHW Coordinator for support.

NHW will provide the screws and your volunteers will be on hand to fix the screws to vehicles for small donation. Victoria Police will also provide a police officer, usually LSC Godden.

If you wish to raise money for the local community, NHW will donate all funds raised to your nominated project.

Anyone wishing to arrange an Operation Safeplate event should contact our Divisional Police Community Liaison Officer, Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden, on 5131 5085 at the Morwell Police Complex or email brett.godden@police.vic.gov.au.

LOCAL LAW No.2 CLAUSE 155 – KEEPING OF ANIMALS.
DO YOU NEED A PERMIT TO KEEP ANIMALS ON YOUR PROPERTY?

Latrobe City’s Local Law NO.2 Clause 155 sets out the number of animals householders may have on their property before they must apply for a permit to keep more. It states "Any person wishing to keep more than the prescribed number or type of animals on any premises must make application, in writing, to the Council, supplying details of the land involved, the number and type of animals and the care and housing arrangement proposed."

Local Law No.2 Clause 155.1 applies to individual owners of animals and states, "An owner or occupier of property requires a permit to keep or allow to be kept more than 4 different types of animals on any one property at any time and must not keep, without a permit or allow to be kept any more in number for each type of animal than as set out in the following table:

Type of Animal

Multi Unit Development

Residential/Rural Living Areas

Dogs

2

2

Cats

2

2

Poultry

Not Permitted

5

Free Flying Pigeons

0

0

Rooster

0

0

Domestic Mice & Guinea Pigs

2

10

Ferrets & Hamsters

Not Permitted

3

Domestic Rabbits

Not Permitted

2

Domestic Fish

No Maximum Limit

No Maximum Limit

Reptiles

2

2

Turtles, Tortoises & Frogs

No Maximum Limit

No Maximum Limit

Other Animals

Not Permitted

0(residential), 4 (rural living)

Other Animals Means: Cow, Bull, Horse, Goat, Sheep, Swine, Ostrich and the young thereof and any Other Animals Means: Cow, Bull, Horse, Goat, Sheep, Swine, Ostrich and the young thereof and any other agricultural animal.

There is of course an exemption for litters. For the purpose of calculating the maximum limit of the numbers of animals kept, litters of any dog or cat are exempted for a period of 12 weeks after their birth. This means that once a cat or dog reaches three months of age you must apply to register it.

For further information on whether or not you need to register your animal or if you need a permit to keep more than the prescribed number of animals on your property, ring administration at Local Laws on 1300 367 700.

ANNUAL FIRE INSPECTIONS COMMENCE ON 12th OF NOVEMBER

Latrobe City Council’s annual fire hazard inspections will commence on Monday 12th of November. Council officers will be inspecting for potential fire hazards on unprepared properties leading into this fire season.

Latrobe City Council’s Coordinator Emergency Management, Lance King, said "All properties across the municipality will be inspected during November and December to minimise the risk for property owners, neighbours and the community at large."

On the weekend of Saturday/Sunday 24 and 25 November, Latrobe City Council will waive green waste charges for the disposal of leaves, grass and small tree branches for all City residents. No burnt vegetation will be accepted. Green waste will be accepted at:

Morwell Site - Monash Way, Morwell 2.0 km from freeway entrance, from 9am to 5pm.

Moe Site - 31 Walhalla Rd, Moe, from 9am to 5pm.

Traralgon Site - Rocla Road, Traralgon 0.5 km from Princes Hwy, from 9am to 5pm.

"We urge property owners to take advantage of this free green waste disposal weekend," Mr King said.

In the country area of Victoria it is the duty of every municipal council and public authority to take all practicable steps to prevent the occurrence of fires, and minimise the danger of the spread of fires, on and from any land vested in or under its control or management.

If a property is identified as ‘at risk’, a fire prevention notice will be issued. This ensures property owners take the necessary steps to protect their property, themselves and their neighbours. Property owners will have two weeks to comply with the notice.

Now is the time to start preparing your properties for the upcoming bushfire season. For further information please access the CFA website http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firesafety/bushfire/prepare-your-property/index.htm

CRIME PREVENTION TIP - SECURE YOUR CAR KEY ON YOUR PERSON WHEN AT THE BEACH

With the warmer weather upon us Latrobe residents will start to make day trips to beaches in South Gippsland and Bass Coast and may choose to park in isolated or well concealed parking lots.

Be aware when you park your car at the beach you may be being watched.

Where possible hire a locker if the service is provided. If no service is available purchase a waterproof security pouch to wear whilst swimming or surfing.

Only take to the beach your essentials. Secure other property in your car before you get to the car park so thieves cannot see where you put them.

Do not hide your car key nearby or in a cavity on your vehicle whilst you surf or swim. When you return your fun day may be ruined if you find your car stolen or broken into.

Other Animals Means: Cow, Bull, Horse, Goat, Sheep, Swine, Ostrich and the young thereof and any other agricultural animal.

On 16th October the Victoria Police Pipe Band performed three concerts at the Morwell Primary School Performing Arts Centre as part of Seniors’ Month. The band performed two concerts for local schools with many seniors from Moe, Morwell and Traralgon enjoying the afternoon performance.

Acting Band Leader Brian Niven said, "The concerts are a way of breaking down some of the barriers between the community and police." The band will return for the annual NHW concert at Kernot Hall in June next year.


Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au



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