NEWS DESK Police patrol $25,000 damage spree VANDALS may have used an axe to smash car windows causing up to $25,000 damage in neighbouring Cheltenham streets, 4-5am Monday. The pair drove around Devon, Robross, Herald, Argus and Cavanagh streets, Tenham Gr, Mena Av, Friendship Square, and Centre Dandenong Rd, in two stolen cars during the crime spree. Detective Senior Constable John Barbour, of Kingston CIU, described the carnage as “gratuitous vandalism”. He said a BMW windscreen “might cost $1400”. Witnesses said the cars following each other along the streets before driving off. A Ford Fairmont 2004 had earlier been stolen from Brighton and a 2007 Toyota Prado from Endeavour Hills. Anyone with any information should call Kingston CIU on 9556 6565.
The axe man cometh AN axe-wielding bandit held up the IGA supermarket in Follett Rd, Cheltenham, 4.20pm, Friday, and escaped with a quantity of cash. The man, dressed in dark clothing and wearing a black balaclava, was driven to the store in a silver Mitsubishi Lancer hatch which parked out front. He walked up to the cash register, waved the axe and gestured to customers to leave the store. He gave a black shopping bag to the sales assistance and demanded she fill it with cash. When the assistant ran to the rear of the store the man swung the axe into the counter damaging the surface, while making further demands for money. He then leaned over the counter and removed the cash draw before running to the car which drove off along Mena Av. Another sales assistant took down the car’s registration number,
which was found to be stolen. Anyone with any information should call Kingston CIU on 9556 6565.
Road rage damage A 41-YEAR-OLD road-rage victim’s car was damaged in May St, Cheltenham, on Thursday afternoon. The man was driving home along Jean St when he had a verbal altercation with the driver of a Toyota Hi Lux ute. Stopping at May St the ute driver approached the victim in a threatening manner, while holding a long torch. He opened the victim’s door and verbally abused him, causing the man to fear he would be assaulted. The man drove off and the offender chased him in the ute, crashing into the side of the victim’s car causing minor panel damage. Both men then got out and had a further verbal exchange before each drove away. Anyone with any information should call Kingston CIU on 9556 6565.
Not the right fare A CHELTENHAM man was chased and assaulted by a taxi driver in Tintern Mews in the early hours of Wednesday last week. The 32-year-old man took the cab home from the city but, when he offered a Cabcharge voucher as payment, the driver refused to accept it and demanded cash. The man insisted he could pay with the voucher and an argument ensued, tempers frayed and the driver said they would go to the police station. On the way the cab stopped outside Waves in Chesterville Rd and the driver began to yell and curse the victim, yanking his clothing. The man leapt from the cab and was chased by the driver who tackled him to the ground, punched and kicked him,
Bus trip: Leading Senior Constable Ingrid Ebert with Kevin Johnson, board member Menzies Caring for Kids, at the hand over of a mini bus to ferry disadvantaged youth to programs run by Victoria Police youth resource officers.
and stole his mobile phone. He then ran back to his cab and drove off. The victim called for help at a nearby house and police attended. Anyone with any information should call Kingston CIU on 9556 6565.
Jewels, cash stolen A BURGLAR stole $2140 cash from a house in Seventh Av, Parkdale, on Tuesday last week. The man first went to the garage, possibly to steal tools, before jemmying open a side bedroom door. Going to the main bedroom he rummaged through bedside draws and tables stealing the cash and an unknown quantity of jewellery. He also took $200 from a wallet. A property list was being compiled yesterday. Call Kingston CIU on 9556 6565 with information.
Smashed entry A THIEF used a sledgehammer to smash his way into a Brixton St, Bonbeach, house on Wednesday afternoon last week. The offender smashed a bedroom door before entering the kitchen and stealing a money jar in the pantry containing $1500. He also stole three iPads from the family room and costume jewellery and a jewellery box from a girl’s bedroom. Rummaging through bedside tables in the main bedroom he stole more costume jewellery. Call Kingston CIU on 9556 6565.
Traffic stop Did you know? A DRIVER cannot enter an intersection if the intersection or road past the intersection is blocked. Road Rule 128 prescribes a $148 on-the-spot fine, or $420 at court.
Bus to help youth work Over the past five years police YROs have been involved in programs aimed at reconnecting young people with the community, family and education. The programs are aimed at victims, offenders, and those at risk of entering any form of out-ofhome care. An example is Blue Light Basketball at Somerville Recreation Centre each Tuesday during the school year. Offenders from Frankston Children’s Court, residents of DHHS residential accommodation, disengaged youth, community volunteers, police and other youth services arrange the basketball as an engagement opportunity. The DHHS residents are invited and express their intent to attend, but rarely show, said Andrea Kardos. “When asked about the reasons, they say that no worker was available to drive them, and it’s too hard to get to Somerville by public transport. “As a result they are not engaged.” Kardos said that the mini bus would ensure the young people’s involvement in activities. Courtesy BusinessTimes
POLICE youth resource officers (YROS)were frustrated by poor attendances at programs to help disadvantaged youth reconnect with the community. Then they discovered that young people faced problems getting to programs because of a lack of transport or Myki card credit. “Our experience, which is backed by Census results, identifies transport as a major limiting factor,” said Frankston YRO Andrea Kardos. So, the officers working in the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula region asked Menzies Caring for Kids for help. The Frankston-based organisation that has a history of childcare going back to 1851 has agreed to provide a 12-seater van and pay maintenance and running costs for three years. Menzies Caring for Kids president Georgia Symmons said Menzies wanted to help organisations like Victoria Police “to make a real difference in the lives of at risk young people”. She said that Menzies looked forward to working with police and other agencies on the project.
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