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Latrobe Crime Watch News Letter Latrobe Police Service Area November 2012Coming Events, Hot Spots, Message from Superintendent Tess Walsh, Bushfire Precautions, Neighbourhood Watch Communities Group Reports. By Malcolm Lawrence - 19th November 2012 - Back to News Latrobe Crime Watch News
Latrobe Police Service Area
Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities
November 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 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.
There are no meetings scheduled for December and January. Meetings resume in February 2013.
NOTE: DECEMBERS’S LATROBE ISSUE WILL ONLY BE PRODUCED ELECTRONICALLY
HOT SPOT – GIPPSLAND’S EMERGENCY SERVICES NEED YOUR HELP TO PREPARE – PREVENT – PINPOINT – PURSUE - PROSECUTE
Bushfires can have a devastating impact on the community, as proven locally in 2009 with the Delburn and Churchill complexes of fires. It has the potential to injure and kill, cause significant financial loss, and destroy property as well as the environment. As ever, Gippsland emergency services require the assistance of the public in combating the causes, both accidental and deliberate, of bushfires.
It is not just police who will be patrolling areas which may be targeted by arsonist. Employees from all partner agencies in the Gippsland Arson Protection Program (GAPP) are on the lookout for suspicious behaviour in our bush. They have the capacity to immediately contact police and CFA should the need arise.
This year the GAPP partners are urging the public to be even more responsible than previously and to take extreme care when using fire or equipment that may spark and cause an accidental bushfire.
THE INTERNET -
Next time you find yourself in a situation where you need information rather than emergency assistance, you may find the information you need at the following websites:
ABC RADIO GIPPSLAND: http://www.abc.net.au/gippsland/emergencies/?ref=nav and http://www.abc.net.au/news/emergency Gippsland’s emergency radio broadcaster. Find current emergencies, information on preparing for emergencies and other links.
BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY (BOM): WEATHER WARNINGS: http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings/ Find weather warnings for the whole of Australia. For Gippslanders, go to the 128 km Bairnsdale Radar where you can view the satellite pictures of weather fronts coming into or across the Gippsland weather district. You can expand the distance covered to 256 km or 512 km.
COUNTRY FIRE AUTHORITY: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au Find CFA bans, restrictions, fire ratings, warnings and current incidents.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION VICTORIA: http://emergencyvic.info/ Locations of current incidents. Information is added by agencies such as CFA, MFB, Department of Sustainability and the SES. Zoom in on the map to find out if anything is going on in your area.
NEIGHBOURHOOD SAFER PLACES (CFA): http://www.saferplaces.cfa.vic.gov.au Search for Neighbourhood Safer Places closest to you by municipality, township or postcode.
STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE VICTORIA: http://www.ses.vic.gov.au/ View the latest emergency warnings for Victoria and get information on preparing your home for an emergency.
VICROADS: http://vicroads.vic.gov.au Find road closures and traffic alerts including maps.
SEEN SOMETHING? KNOW SOMETHING? SAY SOMETHING.
It is bushfire arsonist that the GAPP partnership targets. All members of the community must do their bit to ensure the community’s collective safety during the fire season.
Whether you live or work in, or simply travel through bushfire prone areas, be alert to the possibility you might see something or know someone who may be planning to deliberately or recklessly light a bushfire. We ask you to be vigilant and to stress if you have Seen Something? or Know Something? - Say Something.
Please remember the five Ps, PREPARE – PREVENT – PINPOINT – PURSUE – PROSECUTE, as a strategy in combating bushfires.
PREPARE –Prepare your home and other properties by making them fire safe. If you plan a burn off, obtain a permit and register the planned burn. Monitor the weather and listen to, watch or read news services. Know how and where to contact and find information services. But above all, ready your fire plan and be prepared to act upon, and if necessary instigate it.
PREVENT – If burning off, ensure you have all the equipment necessary and a supply of water available to prevent your burn getting away from you. Abide by restrictions, Total Fire Bans and Code Red days. Read the CAN I OR CAN’T I brochure.
PINPOINT- Victoria Police and GAPP partners will be conducting patrols on Code Red days and we want the public to report suspicious behaviour, particularly in the bush, to help us pinpoint locations where the arsonists do their test burns.
Arsonist don’t just decide to light a fire. They plan, they reconnoitre and they test. If you see what looks to be a small, or even tiny, extinguished fire/burn in the bush, let the authorities know about it. It may be a warning sign of a greater threat. So do not hesitate. If you See Something, Say Something.
PURSUE - Investigations into suspicious fire activity and persons of interest will be undertaken. The pursuit of offenders and investigation into arson is the responsibility of the police. Your information is vital in assisting with the pursuit of arsonists.
Place the blank GAPP Suspicious Incident Report on your refrigerator or put it in an easy to get to spot. Notes made immediately after an incident occurs are more accurate than trying to remember or recreate the incident later. They are also given more credence by the courts in the event an offender is arrested, charged and prosecuted. So if you Know Something, Say Something.
PROSECUTE – The small pieces of information you record may help prevent or solve a crime as they can lead to the building of a significant profile about persons, vehicles, and arson related activities. Your small piece of information may result in the successful prosecution of an arsonist. Again, help the police. Ifyou have Seen Something? or Know Something? Say Something.
Police urge anyone who observes something that piques your curiosity and gives you the feeling that this is not quite right to fill in the GAPP Suspicious Incident Report.
Police urge anyone who may have information related to arson activities to contact Crime Stoppers on: 1800 333 000 or visit: www.crimestoppers.com.au or ring 000 if the threat is immediate.
A MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT TESS WALSH DIVISIONAL COMMANDER - VICTORIA POLICE EASTERN REGION DIVISION FIVE
The Gippsland Arson Prevention Program (GAPP) was formed as a result of the devastating 2009 Gippsland bushfires. Emergency management agencies and industries from across Gippsland joined together to target and reduce the incidence of arson.
Joining Victoria Police and the CFA in partnership to combat arson are organisations and businesses including HVP Plantations, Loy Yang Power, Energy Australia, Gippsland Water, our four local government areas, Latrobe City, Bass Coast, Baw Baw and South Gippsland Shires, the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), Parks Victoria and Monash University's Sustainability Institute.
Partner agencies have developed a coordinated approach as we all watch for suspicious behaviour in the bush. We aim to reduce the incidence and impact of bushfire arson across Gippsland this coming bushfire season.
Members of the public also have a role to play to ensure the community’s collective safety during the fire season. Be alert to the possibility you might see something or know someone who may be planning to deliberately light a bushfire.
In the event of a bushfire, the Country Fire Authority will be the combating authority, but it is the police who will investigate in the aftermath.
I urge anyone who who observes something that piques your curiosity and gives you the feeling that this is not quite right to fill in the GAPP Suspicious Incident Report. Above all, report what you see and hear to police, no matter how trivial you may think the information is.
Small bits of information when collated can lead to the building of a significant profile about persons and vehicles of interest and arson related activities. Most importantly, this information may prevent a tragedy or lead to the apprehension and prosecution of the person or persons responsible.
PREPARE - DURING THE DECLARED FIRE PERIOD OBTAIN A PERMIT FROM THE CFA
Once the Country Fire Authority has declared the municipality to be in a Fire Danger Period residents must obtain a CFA permit before a burn-off can occur.
You can download a permit application form from the CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au or you can contact your local CFA District headquarters and ask for one to be mailed to you. A list of contact numbers for CFA District headquarters is available on the website, or you can request one by phoning (03) 9262 8444.
If you have been issued a permit by the CFA you need to register your burn prior to starting it. You can do this by contacting the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority by telephoning 1800 668 511.
Conversely, if you wish to check on burn-offs in your area you can get information about planned burns (and bushfire information) by calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 or the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677.
Naturally, in an emergency or to report a fire dial Triple Zero (000) and state the service you want; police, fire or ambulance and the town /area you are in. You will then be put through to a trained call-taker.
PREPARE YOUR BUSHFIRE SURVIVAL KIT
Fire agencies recommend having a kit ready at all times during the bushfire season. Keep your survival kit in a familiar place and make a list of items you will need to locate quickly in your home. Your kit should include:
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Battery-powered radio (with spare batteries);
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Protective clothing for each person, including long-sleeved cotton or natural fibre tops, pants, overalls, sturdy protective shoes or boots with woollen socks, hats, face masks, towels, eye protection such as goggles;
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Medicines you're taking and a first aid kit;
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Overnight bag with a change of clothes and toiletries;
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Special needs for infants, the aged and people with disabilities;
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Important information including passports, wills, photos, jewellery, insurance papers;
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Pet food, water and bedding;
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Mobile phone and charger;
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Up to ten litres of water per person (should last three days);
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Canned food items with can opener and utensils;
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Wool blankets;
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Strong plastic bags;
Contact information for essential services and locations of local bushfire shelters.
This survival kit information comes direct from ABC Gippsland’s Plan for an Emergency: Bushfire page at http://www.abc.net.au/news/emergency/plan-for-an-emergency/bushfire/?ref=front-page-slider-gippsland-regional-landing
Make a point of visiting this page as part of your bushfire preparation.
BURN-OFF PREPARATIONS – BEFORE YOU BURN;
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Make sure you take extreme care when burning off and never be complacent;
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Never leave a fire unattended, especially in windy conditions, as it can quickly spread;
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Be aware of your local council’s burn off laws;
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Register the burn with CFA on 1800 668 511;
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Check weather conditions regularly on the internet, radio, television and in the newspaper;
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Tell your neighbours when you plan to burn-off to avoid brigades being called out unnecessarily by a neighbour;
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Ensure water is nearby in case a burn-off escapes. Have your hose ready to use and place buckets full of water around the burn-off area for quick and ready saturation;
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Leave a three metre fire break, free of flammable materials around your burn-off.
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Have a mobile telephone on your person at all times when burning off.
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If your burn-off gets out of control call ‘000’ immediately. Do not hesitate. A delay could be catastrophic.
For more information about burning-off, go to http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/restrictions/fire-danger-period-permits.htm
PREVENT - CAN YOU OR CAN’T YOU DURING THE DECLARED FIRE DANGER PERIOD?
The CFA declares an area to be in a Fire Danger Period (FDP) based on the conditions in that area. It does so municipality by municipality at the onset of warmer weather. This means East Gippsland may be in a declared FDP when Latrobe, Baw Baw, Bass Coast and South Gippsland are not. So you need to monitor for when your City or Shire is declared to be in a Fire Danger Period.
Total Fire Bans are declared by the CFA on days when fires are likely to spread rapidly and be difficult to control. The penalties for lighting fires illegally during the Fire Danger Period and on Total Fire Ban Days include large fines and possible imprisonment.
People are often confused about what they can and cannot do during the declared Fire Danger Periods and on days of Total Fire Ban. For this reason we would like to draw your attention to the CFA’s brochure, CAN I OR CAN’T I.
Produced in partnership with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, the brochure details what you can and cannot do during declared Fire Danger Periods, and on days of Total Fire Ban, when fires in the open air are legally restricted. Questions such as Can I have a barbecue, light a campfire or light a fire for warmth or comfort? and Can I use a chainsaw, plant or grass trimmer or lawn mower?
You can download a copy at http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/restrictions/can.htm
INFORMATION SERVICES FOR GIPPSLAND EMERGENCIES
PREPARE NOW – NOTE THEM OR SAVE THEM TO YOUR FAVOURITES
In recent years Gippslanders have had to weather numerous emergency situations; bushfires, floods, storms and most recently our strongest earthquakes in decades.
In times of emergency many people choose to ring 000 in an attempt to find out information. This not only clogs the emergency telephone system, it can also delay emergency services getting help to those who are in genuine need of assistance.
All 000 Control Rooms (Police, CFA, SES and Ambulance) provide reactive coordination services. In other words, they take the call and dispatch responding units to where they are needed. They do not collate and save the information for public dissemination. That is the responsibility of other divisions within those organisations, such as Media Liaison Units.
It is vital you remember 000 IS NOT AN INFORMATION SERVICE – IT IS AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICE.
During a bushfire emergency there are a number of sources you can use or access to obtain information. Here are some of them.
THE MEDIA –
A major cog in the delivery of Gippsland emergency information comes through our local media, television and print, but particularly radio. All stations provide a degree of information but in an emergency we recommend tuning into ABC Gippsland.
ABC Gippsland, at 100.7 FM and at 828 on the AM dial, delivers official warnings and alerts and publishes emergency information sourced from ABC Local Radio and ABC News. During an emergency ABC Gippsland will interrupt, and at times suspend, State-wide and Nation-wide programs to offer a local service outside of normal broadcasting hours. As information comes to hand it will broadcast updates and instructions from emergency agencies.
TELEPHONE SERVICES –
There are many services that can provide the information you need without ringing the 000 emergency services. Here are a few of them.
National Registration and Inquiry System - 1300 993 191 - If you are worried about friends or family.
National Relay Service - 1800 555 677 Victorian Bushfire Information Line - 1800 240 667
VicRoads Road closure information – 131170
THE INTERNET –
Next time you find yourself in a situation where you need information rather than emergency assistance, you may find the information you need at the following websites:
ABC RADIO GIPPSLAND: http://www.abc.net.au/gippsland/emergencies/?ref=nav and http://www.abc.net.au/news/emergency Gippsland’s emergency radio broadcaster. Find current emergencies, information on preparing for emergencies and other links.
BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY (BOM): WEATHER WARNINGS: http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings/ Find weather warnings for the whole of Australia. For Gippslanders, go to the 128 km Bairnsdale Radar where you can view the satellite pictures of weather fronts coming into or across the Gippsland weather district. You can expand the distance covered to 256 km or 512 km.
COUNTRY FIRE AUTHORITY: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au Find CFA bans, restrictions, fire ratings, warnings and current incidents.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION VICTORIA: http://emergencyvic.info/ Locations of current incidents. Information is added by agencies such as CFA, MFB, Department of Sustainability and the SES. Zoom in on the map to find out if anything is going on in your area.
NEIGHBOURHOOD SAFER PLACES (CFA): http://www.saferplaces.cfa.vic.gov.au Search for Neighbourhood Safer Places closest to you by municipality, township or postcode.
STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE VICTORIA: http://www.ses.vic.gov.au/ View the latest emergency warnings for Victoria and get information on preparing your home for an emergency.
VICROADS: http://vicroads.vic.gov.au Find road closures and traffic alerts including maps.
OCTOBER NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/SAFER COMMUNITIES GROUP REPORTS
BOOLARRA/YINNAR DISTRICT CRIME REPORT
ASSAULTS - 1 for October (1 September) - One offender charged with recklessly cause injury.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 1 for October (Nil September) - One offender charged with criminal damage as the result of a family violence incident.
BURGLARY - 1 for October (1 September) - Between 3rd and 9th October unknown offenders forced entry to Yinnar Primary School stadium causing damage to the floor and a bin with paint from a store room.
CHURCHILL and DISTRICT MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES JEERALANG)
PREVIOUS ISSUES – Nil
ASSAULTS - 5 for October (3 September) - In all incidents an offender was charged with assault related offences.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 1 for October (6 September) - One offender charged with criminal damage.
BURGLARY - 3 for October (1 September) - Cash was stolen overnight on 23rd October from units at Monash University. Unknown offenders entered a property in Coolabah Dr overnight on 24th October however, it is not known what was stolen. Two firearms, fishing rods and reels were stolen from a rural property in Boldings Rd overnight on 28th October.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for October (3 September) - Sometime between 1st and 29th October unknown offenders attended at a vacant block in Church Rd and stole fittings from a vehicle parked there. A fuel cap on a vehicle in Jacka Crt was tampered with overnight 2nd October.
THEFT - 3 for October (Nil September) - A wallet stolen from the change rooms at the Leisure Centre was recovered a few days later without the cash. A water tap was stolen from the front yard of a premises in Fraser Cres overnight 7th October. Police are making follow up enquiries in relation to a theft at Dunbar Gr.
ISSUES RAISED NOVEMBER – 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.
ROBBERY - 1 for October (2 September) - One offender charged with attempted robbery during October.
ASSAULT - 21 for October (19 September) - 22 offenders charged. Police are still following up six suspects in relation to a pursuit in Airlie Bank Rd on 24th October.
ARSON - 1 for October (2 September) - One offender charged with criminal damage by fire.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 16 for October (27 September) - Six offenders charged with property damage offences with two facing multiple charges. Trees were cut down in the Crinigan Rd Bush Reserve overnight 14th October. Most of the other damages involved windows being damaged by rocks/bricks being thrown at them.
BURGLARY - 29 for October (22 September) - Two offenders charged with one facing three counts. Burglaries were evenly spread throughout residential and business areas. Entry was mostly gained through windows smashed with bricks or rocks.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 20 for October (12 September) - There were seven thefts from motor vehicles committed in the Hazelwood Rd, Tarwin St, Wilson St, Wallace St, Elgin St area overnight 21st October. All vehicles entered were unlocked with various items stolen from each. Fuel being syphoned from vehicles is still an issue with six incidents during October.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 3 for October (4 September) - One offender charged. Two of the vehicles have been located. The only outstanding vehicle is an unregistered 1997 Holden Sedan blue in colour stolen overnight 23rd October from Vincent Rd.
THEFT - 9 for October (16 September) - One offender charged. Police are following up four female suspects in relation to the theft of alcohol from the Top Pub bottle shop. Overnight 19th October a 2 foot planter and plants were stolen from a front porch in The Avenue. A number of other plants were apparently stolen from other premises however only this neighbour decided to report to police.
ISSUES RAISED OCTOBER – Various residential premises around town are in an untidy condition – This is a Latrobe City issue, not a policing issue. Advice given to contact Latrobe City on 1300 367 700 so a Pathways Request can be raised for investigation by Latrobe City Local Laws.
MOE/NEWBOROUGH MEETING and CRIME REPORT
PREVIOUS ISSUES - Ken Findlay has begun the graffiti audits with information being fed to Victoria Police for tasking of units.
ASSAULT - 28 for October (21 September) - 25 offenders charged. A number will face multiple charges with three offenders facing two counts each of assault police. Police are following up two suspects from an incident in Saxton Dr on 20th October.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 38 for Oct (28 Sept) - Ten offenders charged. The Salvation Army building in Dinwoodie Dr was targeted four times with glass panels and windows damaged on each occasion, possibly by rocks, with two occurring overnight on 23rd and 24th October.
BURGLARY - 25 for October (11 September) - Two offenders charged. One male faces 16 counts as well as a count of attempted burglary. Police are still seeking three unknown males who broke into the Moe Hotel and stole alcohol overnight 7th October.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 12 for October (7 September) - Three offenders charged. Eight of the thefts were committed between 5th and 11th October. Almost all vehicles were unlocked at the time of the offence.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 4 for October (3 September) - One offender charged. All four vehicles were recovered.
THEFT (OTHER) - 13 for October (4 September) - Six offenders charged. A hot water service was stolen from a residence in Western Ave between 20th and 23rd October.
ISSUES RAISED OCTOBER – Nil.
TRARALGON MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES GLENGARRY, TOONGABBIE, HAZELWOOD NORTH, TRARALGON SOUTH)
PREVIOUS ISSUES – 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.
ASSAULT - 28 for Oct (41 Sept) - 21 offenders charged. Ten of the incidents came to police notice as a result of family violence. Police are following up suspects in relation to an assault on a Latrobe City Local Laws Officer in Liddiard Rd on 12th Oct.
ARSON - 4 for October (2 September) - One offender charged with criminal damage by fire. A fire which was lit in a dumpster at the rear of ALDI supermarket overnight 21st October may be linked to other arson incidents in the area.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 34 for October (30 September) - 12 offenders charged. Overnight on 26th October locks were cut at a property in High St whilst a dog was fatally injured in the same street around the same time. There were four incidents involving small projectiles being fired/thrown through windows which may be linked to other incidents over the past months.
BURGLARY - 14 for October (13 September) - Two offenders charged. A number of residential sheds/garages were entered by unknown offenders. Most were unlocked. A refrigerated container located at the Traralgon Racing Club had the locks cut overnight 18th October with alcohol stolen.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 13 for October (16 September) - Most of the TFMV’s were in residential areas. Five incidents involving the syphoning of fuel from vehicles occurred in Maskrey St (two), Gwalia St, Laurence Gr and College Ave.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 4 for October (5 September) - Two of the vehicles stolen have been recovered. Two dirt bikes were stolen between 16th and 26th October from a shed in Scrubby Lane They are yet to be located.
THEFT - 10 for October (13 September) - Five offenders charged. A surveillance camera was stolen from a rural property in Glengarry between 19th and 21st October. The theft was noticed after damage to fences was reported. Police are also following up suspects about the theft of fuel from service stations.
ISSUES RAISED OCTOBER – Nil.
YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT
PREVIOUS ISSUES – Vehicle on Latrobe River Road – now removed.
ASSAULT - 1 for October (1 September) - One offender charged with unlawful assault as the result of a family violence incident.
ARSON - 1 for October (Nil September) - On 11th October a vehicle located on Latrobe River Rd for a period of time was set alight.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 1 for October (2 September) - Overnight 12th October unknown offenders damaged the window at Foodworks with a rock, possibly fired from a slingshot. This is the second time this has happened recently and may be connected to a number of damages in the Latrobe and Baw Baw areas.
BURGLARY - Nil for October (2 September)
THEFT (OTHER) - Nil for October (2 September)
ISSUES RAISED OCTOBER – Nil.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au

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Latrobe City Council has urged Victorian leaders to back jobs, housing, investment, community safety, energy transition projects and infrastructure to strengthen long-term regional economic growth. - Latrobe Leisure Morwell earns Gold Safety Accreditation for highest aquatic safety standards recognition achieved
Latrobe Leisure Morwell earned Life Saving Victoria’s Gold Safety Accreditation after achieving 100 percent compliance and a safety score above 95 percent, recognising exceptional aquatic safety, operations and risk management standards. - Latrobe Council urges Premier Carroll to fast-track investment, industry growth and secure future jobs in Valley
Latrobe City Council has urged newly appointed Premier Ben Carroll to meet urgently on economic diversification, investment and job creation as the region faces energy transition, manufacturing job losses and Yallourn 2028 closure. - Latrobe City Libraries offer free live music celebrating local Gippsland talent from October to December 2026
Latrobe City Libraries will host free, family-friendly live music from local Gippsland musicians across Morwell, Traralgon and Moe from October to December 2026. No bookings are required; everyone is welcome to attend. - Latrobe City Council records strongest planning performance, leads Victoria in statutory decision timeframes
Latrobe City Council has achieved its strongest planning performance, with 95.44 percent of applications decided within statutory timeframes following streamlined delegation reforms introduced in May 2025. - Latrobe City Council ranks among Victoria's Top Five for Community Satisfaction in 2026 Snap Send Solve index
Latrobe City Council has ranked fifth in Victoria for community satisfaction, scoring 64.6 in the 2026 Snap Send Solve Index, exceeding both national and Victorian averages. - Latrobe City Council endorses updated community amenity local law following extensive community consultation
Latrobe City Council has endorsed an updated Community Amenity Local Law, strengthening rules around property upkeep, waste, animals, burning, vehicles, public spaces and permits. - Latrobe City endorses draft Moe Activity Centre Plan to guide future town centre growth and development
Latrobe City Council endorsed the draft Moe Activity Centre Plan for public exhibition, outlining long-term CBD growth, planning reforms, improved public spaces and transport, with Planning Scheme Amendment C155 exhibition proposed for late 2026. - Latrobe City launches Forestree platform showcasing 63,000 public trees across urban and rural townships
Latrobe City Council has launched Forestree, an interactive platform showcasing more than 63,000 public trees, 600 species and ongoing tree planting, watering and maintenance efforts. - Latrobe City Council schedules 40 kilometres of road upgrades across municipality
Latrobe City Council will resurface 40 kilometres of local roads during 2026/27, including resealing and asphalt works across six communities to improve safety, extend road life and prevent potholes. - Six Latrobe Valley businesses receive funding to diversify, boost productivity and strengthen supply chains during economic transition
Six Latrobe Valley businesses will receive funding through the Gippsland Supply Chain Resilience Program to improve productivity, purchase equipment, expand markets and strengthen supply chains amid regional economic transition. - Open House Latrobe Festival offers behind-the-scenes access to region's unique buildings, stories, communities and cultural heritage from 9 - 11 October
Open House Latrobe will run from 9-11 October, offering behind-the-scenes access to more than 30 sites while celebrating the region's history, culture, industries, environment and future. - Latrobe Valley commuters will receive longer trains and more seats under a Nationals-Liberals plan to increase regional rail capacity and reduce crowding
The Nationals and Liberals plan to allocate five additional V’Locity sets to Traralgon and Bairnsdale, delivering 1,100 extra seats and reducing regional rail crowding. - Open house Latrobe opens doors to historic, cultural and industrial sites across the region for visitors to explore and discover from 9 - 11 October 2026
A chance to visit the most intriguing buildings and places in Latrobe City, normally behind closed doors. The festival will open up significant buildings, infrastructure and landscapes. - Nationals demand stronger policing as rising Latrobe Valley crime fuels growing community safety concerns and frustration
The Nationals say rising Latrobe Valley crime and fewer police officers demand urgent Labor government action, calling for stronger policing, tougher laws and better resources to restore community safety. - Darren Chester met Latrobe Health Assembly representatives to discuss tackling youth food insecurity, poor nutrition and regional health priorities
Gippsland MP Darren Chester is exploring funding for a Latrobe Valley initiative involving local health and education organisations to provide free healthy meals twice weekly, addressing student hunger, poor nutrition and wellbeing. - Labor government boosts Latrobe Valley businesses with funding to strengthen supply chains, expand markets and support future growth
The Carroll Labor government is funding six Latrobe Valley businesses to upgrade equipment, software and skills, strengthen supply chains and expand markets. - Rob Moffatt officially joins Latrobe City Council as Morwell River Ward's newly elected councillor after by-election and oath of office
Latrobe City Council has welcomed Rob Moffatt as Morwell River Ward's newly elected councillor. He formally commenced after taking his oath, joining the nine-member council for the remainder of its current term. - Swooping season returns across Latrobe, with council urging residents to take precautions around nesting birds
Latrobe City Council is urging residents to stay alert during swooping season, avoid nesting areas where possible, check Victoria’s Swooping Bird Map and take precautions when walking outdoors. - Liberals and Nationals to audit Latrobe Valley coal overlays to unlock land for housing and industrial development
The Liberals and Nationals will audit Latrobe Valley coal overlays to identify outdated restrictions, potentially unlocking land for housing and industrial development while retaining protections where mine safety and ground stability remain at risk. - Flight Test Range Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting Gippsland's drone and aerospace industries and economic diversification
A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport will support drone and aerospace innovation, attract investment and create jobs across Gippsland's emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector. - Flight test command centre opens, strengthening Latrobe's role in Australia's advanced aviation innovation sector and creating new opportunities
Latrobe's new Flight Test Range Command Centre has opened at Latrobe Regional Airport, supporting advanced aviation research, drone technology, investment, manufacturing growth and skilled jobs across the region. - Stallholder applications open for 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo connecting families and community services
Stallholder applications have opened for the 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo, offering organisations and entertainers the chance to connect with thousands of local families during National Children's Week celebrations. - New Flight Test Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting advanced aviation jobs, investment and innovation
A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport has opened, supporting advanced aviation research, attracting investment, strengthening local businesses and creating new jobs across Gippsland. - Australia Post invests in Morwell parcel facility, boosting Latrobe City jobs, economic diversification and future growth opportunities
Australia Post has begun construction of a 10,000-square-metre parcel facility in Morwell, consolidating regional operations, supporting local jobs and strengthening Latrobe City’s economic diversification and investment opportunities. - Nationals target Premier Ben Carroll over undelivered Latrobe Valley manufacturing jobs and broken election promises
The Nationals accused Premier Ben Carroll of failing to deliver 500 promised SEA Electric manufacturing jobs in Morwell, criticising Labor’s Latrobe Valley transition and economic record. - Martin Cameron seeks government answers over delays threatening Latrobe Magnesium's commercial project and regional investment
Martin Cameron is pressing the Victorian government over delays affecting Latrobe Magnesium’s commercial project, warning investment and hundreds of Latrobe Valley jobs could be lost. - Regional Development $750,000 investment expands employment and education support for 120 Latrobe Valley young people through 2028
The Victorian government is investing a further $750,000 in the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley Program, supporting 120 young people with employment, education, training and independence opportunities through 2028. - Martin Cameron backs Regional road funding to fix dangerous, neglected Latrobe Valley roads and bridges
A proposed $288 million Country Roads and Bridges program would give Latrobe City $1.5 million annually for four years to repair and upgrade local roads and bridges. - Martin Cameron renews call for PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, citing rising Gippsland public transport crime figures
Morwell MP Martin Cameron has renewed calls for PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, citing a 49 percent increase in Gippsland public transport crime between 2021 and 2024. - Hazelwood North CFA to receive long-awaited new station under Nationals and Liberals' Latrobe Valley infrastructure commitment
The Nationals and Liberals have pledged a new three-bay Hazelwood North CFA station, replacing inadequate facilities and supporting volunteers through increased regional infrastructure funding. - Melina Bath accuses Labor of failing to curb illicit tobacco crime and escalating violence across regional Victoria
The Nationals have criticised Labor over ongoing illicit tobacco crime, citing alleged abductions, violence, intimidation and suspected illegal stores, while questioning Victoria’s tobacco licensing scheme effectiveness. - Mobile Service Centres bringing government support across South Gippsland communities an August and September
Australian government Mobile Service Centres will visit 12 South Gippsland communities, offering Medicare, Centrelink, myGov and Veterans’ Affairs assistance, with accessible facilities and Wi-Fi. - Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market. - Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market. - 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. - The Nationals blame Labor government after 84 more jobs cut at Maryvale paper mill in Latrobe Valley
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 Council introduces free Payble online service offering ratepayers flexible, convenient and automatic payment options for rates
East Gippsland Council has introduced Payble, a free, secure online service allowing ratepayers to automate payments, choose flexible schedules, check balances and manage rates conveniently. - Gippsland commuters stranded after V/Line services end early, prompting calls for reliable regional rail services
Melina Bath criticised Gippsland rail disruptions after AFL fans were stranded following an early service cutoff, calling for reliable regional transport and promising 1,110 additional seats on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services. - 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. - Wellington Shire Council retains in-house library service following review confirming best value for community needs
Wellington Shire Council has endorsed the outcome of its Wellington Libraries Service Review, confirming library services will continue to be delivered as is. - Cr John White recognised for 10 Years of dedicated service representing East Gippsland communities on council
East Gippsland Councillor John White has been recognised for 10 years of service, including two terms as Mayor, advocating for local priorities and representing communities across government levels. - Nationals and Liberals pledge PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, mobile CCTV trailers and 24-Hour Moe Police Station reopening
The Nationals and Liberals have pledged PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, mobile CCTV across the Latrobe Valley, and restoring Moe Police Station to 24-hour operations under their community safety plan. - Labor invests $120,000 to modernise Traralgon Library with new study pods and improved community spaces
Harriet Shing joined Latrobe City Mayor Cr Gibson and councillors to announce a $120,000 library upgrade, jointly funded by government and council - Melina Bath seeks Labor explanation on Gippsland children face specialist dental service cuts, longer waits and costly travel for treatment
Melina Bath says Gippsland children face longer waits after regional pediatric dental services were cut, forcing families to travel to Melbourne for specialist treatment. - Wellington Shire Council backs West Sale Airport for proposed Gippsland Police Academy training campus
Wellington Shire Council will advocate for a Gippsland Police Academy at West Sale Airport, citing existing infrastructure, the former TAFE campus, expansion capacity and potential regional jobs, investment and training opportunities. - Macalister Irrigation District schedules submerged weed treatments for November and December to improve channel capacity and water delivery
Macalister Irrigation District will treat submerged weeds in irrigation channels during November and December 2026, improving water delivery. Customers must avoid treated water for 72 hours after treatment. - Maryvale Recreation Reserve completes $920,000 upgrade, enhancing accessibility, facilities, safety and recreation opportunities for the community
Maryvale Recreation Reserve has completed a $920,000 refurbishment, upgrading the Latrobe Cricket Club pavilion, Peter Siddle Oval, drainage, pathways and accessibility, as part of Latrobe City's broader $5 million program. - Labor government invests $750,000 to support young Gippslanders into education, training and employment opportunities
The Victorian Labor government is investing $750,000 in Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley, supporting 120 young people facing barriers to education, training and employment through 2028. - Bass Coast offers free green waste disposal from 31 October to 22 November to help residents prepare for bushfire season
Bass Coast Shire Council will accept domestic green waste free at its four waste facilities from 31 October to 22 November 2026, helping residents reduce bushfire hazards before summer. - Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years. - Free green waste disposal helps East Gippsland residents prepare properties for upcoming bushfire season from 1 to 30 November 2026
East Gippsland residents can dispose of eligible green waste free throughout November to reduce bushfire risks. Council also encourages safe gas bottle disposal and separating green waste from general rubbish to save fees. - Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community
Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities.
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