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Latrobe Crime Watch News Letter Latrobe Police Service Area May 2013

Coming Events, Firearm Licences, Littering, Police Life Magazine, Neighbourhood Watch Area Group Reports.

By Malcolm Lawrence - 4th June 2013 - Back to News

Latrobe Crime Watch News
Latrobe Police Service Area
Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities
May 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 May - Churchill District and Community Assoc Meeting - Churchill Community Hall - 7 pm

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

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

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

Wednesday 5th June - Yallourn North Town Meeting - Yallourn North Bowling Club–7 pm

Wednes 12th June - Annual NHW Police Showband And Pipe Band Concert – Kernot Hall Morwell – 7pm

EARLY SUCCESSES FOR LATROBE POLICE’S EYEWATCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Like us on Facebook at

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eyewatch-Latrobe-Police-Service-Area/131624007022562

After launch on 24 April, local police report early success and great public support for its eyewatch - Latrobe Police Service Area Facebook page.

Latrobe’s Community Liaison Officer, Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden said, "In this short time police have made two arrests from public information gleaned from eyewatch and are following up on other information received. An elderly missing person was located thanks to two ladies who checked their newsfeed prior to leaving for work. We would like to thank the community for its support and making our city a safer place."

FIREARM LICENCES ARE A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT!
MESSAGE FROM THE DIVISIONAL FIREARMS OFFICER.

Firearm ownership and use is a privilege and should not be taken for granted. Firearm owners and users must act responsibly and within the law.

Gippsland Police receive complaints from the public on a daily basis in relation to people using firearms in a dangerous or illegal manner. There have been recent reports and investigations by local police into illegal ‘spot lighters’, which has resulted in eleven firearm licence holders being charged, their firearm licences suspended and firearms seized. Investigations are ongoing.

Police remind the public shooting from the roadside is illegal as is shooting onto or across private property. Section 130 (1) of the Firearms Act 1996 is explicit and states;

‘A person must not carry a loaded firearm or use a firearm in a town or populous place or on any thoroughfare or place open to or used by the public for passage with vehicles.’

An offence against this section carries a penalty of 60 penalty units ($8460) or 12 months imprisonment.

Section 131 of the Act stipulates;

A person must not

(a) Possess, carry or use a firearm on private property or

(b) Discharge a shot, bullet or other missile from a firearm onto or across private property without the consent of the owner or occupier of the property.

This section also carries a penalty of 60 penalty units ($8460) or 12 months imprisonment.

In recent years local farmers have been reporting heavy stock losses due to spotlight shooters. The major problem is that ‘shooters’ do not positively identify their target. A recent incident in East Gippsland highlights this danger. A deer hunter was almost shot by another deer hunter who had mistaken him for a deer whilst the first shooter was moving through the ‘bush’.

Hunters MUST positively identify the target before they pull the trigger.

With the popularity of deer hunting reaching an all-time high, it is imperative to exercise safe firearm handling practices at all times.

This also extends to the transportation of firearms when travelling to and from the hunting zones. When transporting a firearm, the owner must ensure the firearm is carried and used in a manner that is secure and not dangerous. You must take all precautions to ensure the firearm cannot be lost or stolen. Section 126 (1) applies to a person who is carrying or using a firearm and that person must;

(a) Ensure that the firearm was carried and used in a manner that is secure and is not dangerous and

(b) Take reasonable precautions to ensure that the firearm was not lost or stolen.

This section too, also carries a penalty of 60 penalty units ($8460) or 12 months imprisonment.

If you have any inquiries about firearm related laws and regulations, contact our local Divisional Firearms Officer at Morwell Police Station, Leading Senior Constable Ian Miles.

If you have a complaint or wish to report criminal activity involving the use of firearms, call your local police station, ring 000 if the threat is immediate or contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.

 

ANNUAL NHW POLICE SHOWBAND AND PIPE BAND CONCERT
WEDNESDAY 12TH JUNE AT MORWELL’S KERNOT HALL

Tickets can be obtained through your local Neighbourhood Watch or by contacting LSC Brett Godden on 5131 5085 or by emailing him at brett.godden@police.vic.gov.au.

Alternatively call in at the Morwell Police Station and leave your name and contact number and Brett will get back to you. You may also purchase tickets from Stan Wright (H) 5134 3373 or (M) 0407 862 825.

 

HOT SPOT – POLICE NEEDS THE PUBLIC’S HELP
YALLOURN NORTH PRIMARY SCHOOL TARGETED BY VANDALS

Over recent months the Yallourn North Primary School has become the target for recurring vandalism.

Overnight 10th March, 2013 unknown offenders damaged six of the eight totem poles erected on the Moe-Glengarry Road. These poles were cemented into the ground and would have taken some force to remove. The poles were snapped at the base and discarded in a nearby drain.

Numerous artworks created by the primary school appear throughout the township, made by the primary school children, and were erected as a beautification project for the town.

In early April the school was again targeted by vandals with security lighting and fencing damaged. The school sign (pictured above) was also ripped from its mountings in the blue stone fence.

Again in mid-April and late April, the totem poles were targeted this time in Reserve Road.

Police urge anyone who may have information related to this offence to contact Crime Stoppers on: 1800 333 000 or Moe Police on 5128 1100.

 

APRIL NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/SAFER COMMUNITIES GROUP REPORTS

CHURCHILL and DISTRICT MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES JEERALANG)

PREVIOUS ISSUES: Nil issues notified.

ROBBERY - Nil for April (1 March)

ASSAULTS - 2 for April (10 March) - In both incidents of family violence an offender has been charged with assault related offences.

ARSON - 1 for April (2 March) - On 25th April unknown offenders collected a small number of branches and after placing them on the skate park concrete set them alight. CFA attended and extinguished the fire with police investigating.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 15 for April (12 March) - Two offenders charged with one facing nine counts of damage which were committed throughout Churchill. On 8th April two premises had windows smashed by rocks in Cutler Cres.

BURGLARY - 5 for April (5 March) - One offender charged with two counts. The Churchill Football Club was again targeted overnight 25th April, with alcohol stolen after a barrel was thrown through a glass door to gain entry. Police ask those who live around the Gaskin Park area to be vigilant about reporting suspect vehicles or people around the club.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 4 for April (5 March) - The offender who was charged with burglary has also been charged with two counts of theft from motor vehicle. A vehicle with its window down in Fraser Cres was entered overnight 29th April with the victim’s purse stolen. Two other vehicles parked at the residence were stolen and located a short distance away.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 4 for April (1 March) - All four vehicles stolen during April have been recovered. The offender charged with burglary and theft from motor vehicle will also face two counts of theft of motor vehicle.

THEFT - 2 for April (3 March) - Overnight 21st April food was taken from a freezer in the car port of a premises in Phillip Pde whilst a white budda statue was stolen from a garden in Switchback Road overnight 26th April.

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

 

MOE/NEWBOROUGH MEETING and CRIME REPORT

PREVIOUS ISSUES: April meeting cancelled due to public holiday.

SEX OFFENCES - One offender charged with indecent assault during April.

ROBBERY - Nil for April (1 March)

ASSAULT - 18 for April (20 March) - Seventeen offenders charged. Eleven of the offences were related to family violence incidents. Police are investigating an incident involving threats to kill made via email, letters and graffiti.

ARSON - 3 for April (1 March) - Between 12th and 21st April two park benches in the Ollerton Bush Reserve were set alight by unknown offenders. A children’s change table in public toilets in Balfour St was set alight and destroyed on 5th April.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 28 for April (25 March) - Ten offenders charged. The Moe Racing Club was hit twice during April with sprinklers damaged on both occasions and water tanks damaged overnight 13th April. The tag "AB" was sprayed on a wall of the Albert St Primary overnight 29th April and on a vehicle in Service Rd overnight 5th April.

BURGLARY - 9 for April (14 March) - Most of the burglaries were committed on residential premises. Medication was stolen when an unknown offender smashed the front glass door of a chemist in Lloyd St overnight 6th April. A leaf blower was stolen on 28th April from an unlocked shed in Peer St.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 2 for April (23 March) - An unlocked vehicle parked in Bubb St was entered overnight 4th April with coins stolen whilst a UHF radio was stolen from a grader at a construction site in Saviges Rd between 20th and 22nd April.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for April (1 March) - One of the vehicles has been recovered whilst XRJ753, a 1997 Mitsubishi station wagon grey in colour which was stolen from Langford St on 26/04/13 is still outstanding.

THEFT (OTHER) - 16 for April (20 March) - Five offenders charged. For the second time in as many months a number of sprinklers were damaged or stolen from the Moe Race Course on 4th April. On 8th April unknown offenders entered a rear yard in Rutherglen Rd stealing a purple and white kayak.

ISSUES RAISED MAY: 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.

 

MORWELL MEETING and CRIME REPORT(INCLUDES TYERS)

PREVIOUS ISSUES: Issues raised about unruly residents in Heywood St with Brett to follow up. A discussion was held about graffiti trends.

ROBBERY - Nil for April (2 March)

ASSAULT - 24 for April (25 March) – Twenty-three offenders charged with 16 incidents coming to police notice as a result of family violence. Police are following up a suspect in relation to an assault on a loss prevention officer at a supermarket.

ARSON - 1 for April (3 March) - On 28th April unknown offenders set a rubbish bin alight in Sydney St.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 32 for April (35 March) - Nine offenders charged. Between 5th and 7th April the transport hub in Commercial Rd was targeted with windows damaged. Three youths were observed running from the scene on one occasion.

BURGLARY - 15 for April (12 March) - Three offenders charged. Between 12th and 15th April a shop in George St was broken into via a rear window. The premises was ransacked with cash stolen. Garden tools and chainsaws were stolen from a number of residential sheds and business sheds during the month.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 12 for April (19 March) - All except one of the thefts was committed in residential areas of Morwell. Seven of the vehicles were left unlocked by victims. Three unlocked vehicles were entered overnight 8th April in Princes Dr with four handbags stolen. One of the victims had her credit card used before she realised that a theft had occurred.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 1 for April (4 March) - The only vehicle stolen during April was recovered.

THEFT - 13 for April (13 March) - Two offenders charged. A purse was stolen from an unzipped handbag left in the carriage part of a trolley on 10th April. Police advise when shopping all handbags should be held onto or kept closed when in a trolley.

ISSUES RAISED MAY: 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.

 

TRARALGON MEETING and CRIME REPORT

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

PREVIOUS ISSUES: Nil raised. Discussion held about intervention orders and court procedures.

SEX OFFENCES - Two offenders charged with wilful and obscene exposure.

ROBBERY - 2 for April (1 Mar) - Two offenders charged with armed robbery with one facing a count of assault with intent to rob.

ASSAULT - 25 for April (35 March) - In all incidents an offender was charged with 10 of the incidents related to family violence.

ARSON - Nil for April (2 March)

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 32 for April (33 March) - Seven offenders charged. St Gabriel’s and Traralgon Secondary College were targeted by graffiti offenders on 29th April with various tags sprayed on walls. The tags were in maroon and white with a swastika and the tag WBGE.

BURGLARY - 8 for April (16 March) - One offender charged. The VRI Hall in Queen St was broken into twice during April. On 25th April offenders smashed a window to enter the building whilst on the 27th April they entered possibly by the same point and stole a number of fire extinguishers.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 19 for April (18 March) - Fourteen of the thefts from motor vehicles were committed in residential driveways or outside residential addresses with ten of the vehicles unlocked. A number of victims stated to investigators they were aware of thefts occurring in the nearby area however still continued to leave their vehicles unlocked.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for April (3 March) - One of the vehicles stolen during April was located. UGT898 a white 2000 Toyota Landcruiser ute was stolen from Tyers Rd, Tyers on 28th April.

THEFT - 11 for April (14 March) - Six offenders charged. Overnight 16th April unknown offenders stole an amount of copper from an industrial site in Eastern Rd. Evidence suggests a trailer stolen from a premises nearby was used to transport the copper and it may have taken two people to load it.

ISSUES RAISED MAY: No new issues raised.

 

BOOLARRA/YINNAR DISTRICT CRIME REPORT

ROBBERY - One offender has been charged with two counts of robbery during April. ARSON - Nil for April (1 March)

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 1 for April (1 March) - One offender charged with criminal damage.

BURGLARY - 1 for April (1 March) - A caravan in Bundeera Rd was broken into on 26th April with food stolen.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for April (Nil March) - One offender charged with two counts of theft from motor vehicle.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for April (1 March)

THEFT - 1 for April (1 March) - Between 1st March and 8th April unknown offenders stole wooden bollards from the rail trail walking track near Duke St.

YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT

PREVIOUS ISSUES: The next meeting is the Yallourn North AGM and will be held on Wednesday 5th June - this is a week earlier than usual due to the concert. Property damage - specifically the totem poles which were damage (and mentioned in the crime report) and the sign at the front of the primary school has been damaged.

ASSAULT - Nil for April (1 March)

ARSON - Nil for April (1 March)

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 2 for April (1 March) - On 15th April glass doors at a licensed premises in North Road were damaged by unknown offenders whilst totem poles in Reserve St were also damaged by unknown offenders.

BURGLARY - 1 for April (2 March) - Overnight 8th April unknown offenders broke into a shed in the grounds of the Yallourn North primary and stole large chess pieces.

THEFT (OTHER) - 1 for April (1 March) - Between 15th and 18th April unknown offenders stole a chainsaw, food, beer and an esky that were on a property in Toms Bridge Rd.

ISSUES RAISED MAY: No May meeting.

 

Myki its your key

You are no longer be able to purchase short term tickets on board buses. The only way to travel is with a valid MYKI card. To find out more about which type of MYKI card you need, or how to purchase a MYKI card, log on to www.myki.com.au or call Latrobe Valley Bus Lines on 03 5135 4700 to speak to a MYKI Support Officer.

 

POLICE LIFE

Police Life is Victoria Police's official magazine.

In each edition you will find articles about police across the state, true crime stories, tales of good arrests as well as police station profiles and the latest policing initiatives.

It is published quarterly and distributed across the state and interstate to serving and former Victoria Police members, other law enforcement agencies, schools, parliamentarians, libraries, legal firms, the media, community members with an interest in policing or those looking to pursue a career in policing.

Read the Autumn 2013 issue of Police Life online at http://issuu.com/policelife or visit your local police station to pick up a copy.

 

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS – SAFETY WHEN USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT

When using public transport it is best to plan your trip in advance. Know which route you will be taking, the cost and the method of payment required. Some companies will not accept cash and may only use the Myki system (prepaid card.) Check the timetables in advance and be prepared if you have a long wait for your train, tram, taxi or bus. Remember, do not attempt to board a public transport vehicle until it has come to a complete stop.

Make an attempt to conceal wallets and other valuables. If holding a handbag, hold it securely between your arm and your body. If you feel uncomfortable with the person near you consider moving or changing carriages. Where possible, never travel in an empty carriage. Stand where you can be seen easily, not in a concealed area and with or near other passengers. Always wait in well-lit areas or if possible in areas under surveillance. Never fall asleep when using public transport and pay attention to who gets off at your stop. Always be aware of your surroundings.

If using a taxi, phone in advance rather than hailing one and note the taxi number and identity number of the driver. Sit in the back seat on the opposite side to the driver, and don't disclose personal information. If possible, have the taxi company’s telephone number programmed into your mobile phone.

Above all, trust and follow your instincts - if something doesn’t feel right, take action to stay safe.

 

THE NATIONAL PUBLIC TOILET MAP

The National Public Toilet Map (the Toilet Map) shows the location of more than 14,000 public and private public toilet facilities across Australia. Details of toilet facilities can also be found along major travel routes and for shorter journeys as well. Useful information is provided about each toilet, such as location, opening hours, availability of baby change rooms, accessibility for people with disabilities and the details of other nearby toilets. Go to www.toiletmap.gov.au

 

LITTER – UNSIGHTLY, DANGEROUS, COSTLY AND NEGATIVE

The presence of litter impacts negatively on communities in many ways. It makes residents feel less secure, makes public places less attractive and it can lead to more serious crimes being committed if it does not look like the community is looking after itself.

Like graffiti, litter makes an area look dirty and uncared for, unpleasant to be in and less likely to be used by the public. If an area looks clean it will probably remain clean. If an area is littered it is most likely to attract more littering.

Litter travels. It moves from streets into waterways, pollutes the land and eventually it can make its way to the ocean.

Litter harms animals. They can be injured when seeking food or become trapped or entangled in it. Cigarette butts and small plastic pieces can be swallowed by land animals and by marine life alike and can cause death.

Litter harms our children. Sharp edges, broken glass, ripped aluminium cans and used syringes can injure our children at places children congregate such as playgrounds, parks, pathways, bike tracks and sporting areas.

The cost to councils and charity organisations of clearing litter from both public and private land runs into tens of millions of dollars a year. Councils employ litter and street sweeping services on an ongoing basis and send out their council depot employees on a daily basis to collect rubbish dumped on the road or in the bush.

Not only can litter injure and harm humans and animals, littering is illegal dumping. It can rust and rot and enables toxic chemicals to enter the environment. It can choke the environment, is unsightly, costly and is extremely difficult to manage in isolated country areas. Dumpers know where to go to off-load their rubbish in solitude away from observant eyes.

  • If you are planning on making a donation at a charity bin stop and think. Ask yourself;
  • Is what I am planning on donating suitable to leave in the charity bin?
  • Will what I am donating fit in a charity bin?
  • Should I arrange for the charity to call at my home to collect my donation?
  • Are the goods/items I am donating of a good enough quality to be considered for resale?
  • Would I happily have these items in my own home?
Charity bins are not an outlet for council’s waste transfer stations.
  • If you wish to protect your property from illegally dumping of rubbish consider;
  • Installing barriers, bollards and fencing to prevent access to land;
  • If at a charity bin location, install professional, permanent and prominent signage
  • denoting what items will be accepted;
  • Install professional, permanent and prominent signage warning the area is under
  • surveillance;
  • Install and use surveillance cameras; and
  • Ensure the area is adequately lit to deter would be dumpers.
  • Rubbish dumped in the bush is a major problem, both environmentally and as a cost to the community.

You can report the dumping of rubbish on the Environmental Protection Authority’s Pollution Line 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or visit http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/get-involved/report-litter where you can even download a phone app to report littering. You can also report the dumping of rubbish to your local council.

HOT SPOT – POLICE NEED THE PUBLIC’S HELP
MORWELL – THEFT OF LAWN MOWER

Between 5 p.m. on Friday 3rd May and 9 a.m. on Monday 6th May, unknown offenders forced the locks on a shed located at the rear of the United Church Op Shop on Princes Drive Morwell.

Once inside the offenders stole a new lawn mower leaving behind other garden implements.

Anyone with information in relation to this theft is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 and quote LEAP incident number 130137665 or ring Detective Sergeant RUMBLE at Latrobe Crime Investigation Unit on 5131 5000.


Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au



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