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Latrobe Crime Watch News

Coming Events, Securing Your Home These Holidays, Latrobe Police Service Area Crime Reports.

By Malcolm Lawrence - 22nd December 2010 - Back to News

Latrobe Crime Watch News
Latrobe Police Service Area
Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities
DECEMBER 2010
 
COMING EVENTS:

Tuesday 1st February - Traralgon Town Meeting - Civic Offices, Kay Street - 7.15 pm

Wednesday 2nd February 2011 - Morwell Town Meeting-Milne Bay Room, Morwell RSL, Elgin St – 7 pm

Monday 7th February 2011 - Moe/Newborough Town Meeting - Moe RSL Albert Street, Moe – 7 pm

Wednesday 9th February - Yallourn North Town Meeting – Yallourn North Bowling Club – 7.30 pm

Thursday 17th February - Yinnar Town Meeting - Yinnar Hotel – 7.30 pm

Wednesday 23rd February – Churchill Town Meeting/CDCA Meeting, Churchill Town Hall - 7 pm

Wednesday 15th June 2011 - NHW Police Showband & Pipe Band Concert – Kernot Hall Morwell

SECURING YOUR HOME THESE HOLIDAYS

It’s that time of the year again when the sun beats down (if the rain ever stops) and a lot of us head off for a well-earned break with family and friends. It would be ideal if we could leave our homes and not have to worry about security. Unfortunately, it‟s not Disneyland out there and we have to consider those who seek to take advantage of our absence by breaking in and helping themselves to our property.

With this in mind here are some handy tips to make your home as secure as possible during your absence.

  • Fill in an "Absence from Residence" Form (attached to this newsletter) and drop it in at your local police station. Let them know when you return.
  • Notify trusted neighbours of your absence and ask them to report anything suspicious.
  • Tell your neighbours who, if anyone, has a right to be on your property.
  • Make your home look lived-in whilst you are away. How do you do this?
  • Leave some washing hanging on the line and maybe leave a pair of shoes by the doors,
  • Arrange for the junk mail to be emptied from your letter box or attach a „No Junk Mail‟ sign.
  • Ask your neighbours to park their car in your driveway.
  • Ask your neighbours to put out and bring in the bins on rubbish day, even if they are empty.
  • Ask a family member or friend to stay in the house for a couple of days.
  • Arrange for the post office to hold or redirect your mail.
  • If you have the newspaper delivered, don‟t forget to cancel it or offer it to a neighbour.
  • Secure the house making sure all windows and doors are locked.
  • Check external doors and frames for weaknesses and replace if necessary.
  • Remove keys from window locks and sliding doors.
  • Add a lock to your internal manhole to deny entry through the roof.
  • Install automatic timing devices for the lights, radio or TV so they turn on and off while you are away.
  • When on holiday do not put your name and address on your keys as it is obvious you are away from home and arrangements can be made to burgle your home. 

NOVEMBER NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/SAFER COMMUNITIES GROUP REPORTS
MORWELL MEETING and CRIME REPORT

PREVIOUS ISSUES

The bollards at Kurt St laneway have not been moved - Brett followed up with Latrobe City - No reply as yet.

West bound vehicles turning to park at Morwell PO - Vehicles permitted to cross a single solid white line for parking purposes.

Bike riders wearing helmets - Brett explained that where possible police advised that bike riders must wear helmets.

Dogs at Kurt St address - Brett to follow up with Latrobe Shire Local Laws.

CRIME REPORT

ROBBERY – 1 Nov(1 Oct) – armed robbery on a milk bar in Vary St - offender charged.

ASSAULT – 10 Nov (22 Oct) - In nearly all the victim and offender/s were known to each other and occurred at residential premises. 10 offenders charge with police investigating two offences of sexual assault.

ARSON – 3 Nov (4 Oct) - Three offenders were charged with arson after lighting a fire in an unoccupied house in Kelly St. A letterbox was damaged by lighting material inside. Three gas cylinders were used to start a fire at a Buckley St property.

PROPERTY DAMAGE – 62 Nov (59 Oct) - Whilst the number of offences of graffiti/criminal damage looks very high, only 33 offences committed during the month. One offender was charged with 29 offences of criminal damage (committed June – October.) These offences were detected by NHW volunteers, recorded and the information provided to police leading directly to the arrest and charging of the offender.

BURGLARY – 37 Nov (19 Oct) - An offender has been charged with six counts of burglary breaking into six businesses in the Morwell CBD. Three offenders were charged with a burglary in Kelly St which resulted in them also being charged with arson after a fire was started in the house. Two other offenders were charged with burglary in Princes Drive.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR – 26 Nov (30 Oct) A number occurred in clusters around the Wallace Street/McLean St/Chapel St area. Four offenders were each charged with five counts of TFMV in this area. Another cluster occurred in The Boulevard/Airlie Bank Rd/Olive Dr/Opal Crt area, with two offences occurred in Holmes Rd near English St. A single plate was stolen from a vehicle in a car park but anti-theft screws prevented the second being stolen. Fuel thefts have also increased with one attempt and three offences of theft of petrol from cars parked in driveways and the street.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE – 13 Nov (18 Oct) - Three motorbikes were stolen during the month with none located or returned. Of the cars stolen, five have been recovered and returned with five offenders facing charges of theft of motor vehicle.

THEFT – 15 Nov (14 Oct) - Once again property being left behind at pubs, shops or bus stops has been stolen. Police remind the community to be aware of their property at all times to discourage opportunistic thieves. Five offenders charged.

ISSUES RAISED - Nil

CHURCHILL and DISTRICT MEETING and CRIME REPORT

ISSUES RAISED – Meeting with the new licensee of the Churchill Hotel – arranged for next meeting.

CRIME REPORT

ASSAULTS – 3 Nov (3 Oct) – All assaults occurred as a result of family domestics incidents. Offenders were charged or intervention orders were applied for.

PROPERTY DAMAGE – 6 Nov (4 Oct) – One offender charged with criminal damage after smashing a window at a residential property. Another incident took place as a result of domestic. A motor vehicle was damaged at a car yard.

BURGLARY – 2 Nov (3 Oct) - There was one attempted burglary and two where entry was gained on 4th of November. The Jeeralang Pony Club was burgled with padlocks cut to again entry. A large generator was stolen, indicating a vehicle was used. The Churchill Golf Club was also entered forcibly and a number of tools and cash were stolen.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE – 3 Nov (Nil Oct) - A wallet was stolen from a possibly unlocked vehicle in a residential driveway on the 22nd of the month. Two other vehicles were targeted in the Monash Uni car park. One had the passenger window smashed and the stereo stolen whilst the other had been left in the car park for a few days and had the hubcaps removed.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE – 0 Nov (1 Oct)

THEFT – 6 Nov (1 Oct) - Latrobe Valley Motor Wreckers was twice the target for thieves. On the 1st they entered and stole a number of radiators from the yard and on the 19th a hole was cut in the fence and removed scrap metal. Scooters were also stolen from three different residential premises with three going from an address in Switchback Road.

ISSUES RAISED –

Police staffing during the opening hours for the new pub – Concerns passed to Inspector West and the OIC of Churchill Police.

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.

MOE MEETING and CRIME REPORT

PREVIOUS ISSUES –

A bollard at Truscott Ave has been removed - Brett has contacted Latrobe City for follow-up.

Hoon driving in Fowler Street - Brett has passed the information to Latrobe Highway patrol.

Hoon driving – Victoria and Truscott Streets - Brett has passed the information to Latrobe Highway patrol.

NHW Signs - Brett to confirm placement with Latrobe City depot.

CRIME REPORT

ROBBERY – 0 Nov (3 Oct) -

ASSAULT – 19 Nov (14 Oct) - Over half were as a result of family violence. In every incident an offender was charged. Two of the offences related to threats to kill on members at Moe Police after they attended a domestic whilst another offender made threats via Facebook. Police remind the community that threats made via Facebook will carry the same consequences as if they were made face to face. One offender was charged with indecent assault.

ARSON – 4 Nov (2 Oct) - An elderly lady living alone was the victim of arson when offenders set fire to her doormat. The grounds of Newborough Primary were also targeted by arsonists.

PROPERTY DAMAGE – 26 Nov (31 Oct) - Five damages occurred in Newark Ave Newborough. Letterboxes and fences were damaged at two residential premises whilst the Lowanna Secondary College was targeted twice. Four offenders were charged.

BURGLARY – 18 Nov (9 Oct) - Amaroo Way and Merton Court were targeted by burglars with three offences occurring in a short time period. A hidden spare key was used at one address. Police advise that locating a spare key outside a house is a security risk and you are better of leaving a spare key with a trusted neighbour.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR – 5 Nov (17 Oct) - Two of the vehicles which had items stolen from them were left unlocked. Items stolen included cash, a wallet with ID, various access cards and an iPod.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE – 14 Nov (7 Oct) - Five of the vehicles stolen were recovered and returned. All vehicles were stolen from residential driveways. There were two attempted TOMV‟s in Staff St, one of which was prevented by a locked gate. Two offenders were charged.

THEFT (OTHER) – 13 Nov (9 Oct) - Mail was stolen from two letterboxes in Gibson Street on the 10th November. Some of the mail was located at a property nearby, however a card that may have been in the envelopes was not recovered. Garden gnomes and other garden statues were also stolen from properties. Four offenders have been charged with theft during the month.

ISSUES RAISED - Nil

For information on becoming an active participant in NHW or by creating a NHWatch/Safer Communities Group in your area contact Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden on 5131 5085 or 0400 050 749 or email him at brett.godden@police.vic.gov.au

YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT

PREVIOUS ISSUES - nil

CRIME REPORT

ASSAULT – O Nov (Nil Oct)

PROPERTY DAMAGE –5 Nov ( 1 Oct) - East St, High Rd and Low Rd were all targets for offenders on the night of the 29th November. Offenders have sprayed a fence and two vehicles with paint to varying degrees. Suspects have been nominated and police will be conducting follow up enquiries. Two other offences of damage during the month were a smashed windows at a business premises and a vehicle parked outside the victim‟s residence.

BURGLARY – 1 Nov (Nil Oct) - Alcohol was stolen after forced entry at the Yallourn North Football Club on the 29th November.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR – 3 Nov (Nil Oct) - All the thefts were committed on unlocked vehicles the night of the 20th into 21st November in High St, Kelso Rd and Third St, with cash, iPods and a school bag stolen. An item of property from the High St theft was located in the vehicle at the Third St.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE –0 Nov (1 Oct)

THEFT (OTHER) – 1 Nov (Nil Oct) Solar lights from a garden in Gooding St were stolen overnight on the 29th

TRARALGON MEETING and CRIME REPORT

PREVIOUS ISSUES –

Theft from charity bins - Brett to provide explanation.

Children kicking footballs into yards and throwing rocks and fruit at letterboxes - advised to contact police when occurring.

Hoon driver – Silver/grey sedan rego supplied in Wirilda Cres area - Brett has passed information to Latrobe Highway Patrol.

CRIME REPORT

ASSAULT – 10 Nov (10 Oct) – In all assaults offenders have been charged or suspects are to be interviewed. Once again the most disturbing aspect is that most occurred within the family dynamic. Five came to police notice as a result of family violence. One sexual assault resulted in an offender being charged.

ARSON – Nil Nov (3 Oct) –

PROPERTY DAMAGE – 23 Nov (18 Oct) – Windows were damaged on a number of business premises and vehicles. Objects thrown at windows included golf balls, stubbies and pieces of fruit. Most appear to have been committed by drunk passing by. Two offenders were charged with multiple damages on two motels on the night of the 5th November.

BURGLARY – 15 Nov (15 Oct) – On one occasion three offenders were located at the Traralgon Greyhound Club and arrested. Due to police attendance nothing was stolen. The Victorian Railways Institute Hall in Queens Parade was targeted four times with alcohol stolen each time. Neighbours and workers near the hall are asked to be aware of suspicious activity when there are no functions on. If members of the community see someone they think is suspicious they are asked to ring police on 000. Five offenders were charged.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE – 12 Nov (15 Oct) – Workman‟s tools were the main items stolen from vehicles. Tradesmen are reminded to lock down or removed tools from the rear of their utes or trade vehicles when they are not being used. Nail Guns, Chainsaw and other tools have been removed from draws and trays. Offenders removed a wallet from a vehicle in Cameron St and the wallet was located in a green belt nearby and returned to the owner minus a debit card. By the time the victim reported the theft to the bank the bank balance had been reduced to zero.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE – 10 Nov (4 Oct) – Three of the vehicle stolen have been recovered and returned. A trailer was stolen from the Traralgon Maffra Road and on the 4th of the month in Connaught way a four wheel motor bike was stolen.

THEFT – 19 Nov (14 Oct) – Three trailers were stolen, one from the Traralgon Maffra Rd on the 30th November, another from Senade Crt on the 28th and Cashmere Dr on the 12th. Vic Roads advisory signs were stolen from Hyland Highway on the 10th. These signs advised of road damage and the removal creates a dangerous situation on the road. Gippsland Water‟s yard was entered on two occasions and a quantity of copper stolen on both occasions. An offender has been charged with multiple thefts from St Vincent De Paul and the Salvation Army.

ISSUES RAISED - Graffiti in Traralgon Railway Station toilets. Animal carcasses/rubbish being dumped in the McNairn Rd/Melrossa Rd area. Parking restriction sign in Ryan‟s car park. All items were noted by Andrew Mackintosh and will be followed up by Latrobe City Council. Thanks to Andrew.

SECURING YOUR HOME THESE HOLIDAYS continued

Engrave or mark valuable property with the letter „V ‟followed by your driver‟s licence number.

Set your alarm system and put your valuables in a safe place.

If you have a monitored electronic alarm system let the company know you are going away and give them contact details for key holders in case the alarm goes off.

Install self-activating external lights.

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

Keep your shed secured at all times. Power tools and lawn movers are popular items for the burglar. Tools left lying around the home are also a ready source of house breaking implements. Always put your tools away & lock your shed.

We at Victoria Police, Neighbourhood Watch and the Safer Communities Unit, wish everyone in the Latrobe Valley community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here‟s to a safe, secure and crime free holiday period and may your Christmas stocking be full of good cheer and love. Merry Christmas

.


Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au



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