Show of force ousts bikies Stephen Taylor steve@baysidenews.com.au A POLICE raid on a Dark Side bikie club house in Seaford last week was “a matter of keeping them on their toes and moving them on”, a senior Frankston police man said. About 20 police smashed their way into the premises on Peninsula Blvd and emerged with a Hells Angels’ banner. Later, they stood guard outside as a locksmith changed the locks. Posters left on the door warned that entry without the authority of property manager 21 Century Real Estate was illegal and trespassers would be prosecuted. This is the third time police have evicted the Dark Side Outlaw Motor Cycle Gang from commercial premises in Seaford, with Sergeant Steve Burt, of Frankston police, describing the raid as “a show of force”. “We want them to know that we are watching them,” he said. Bikie hangouts are deemed to be
clubs without liquor licences, making it illegal for them to provide liquor to members. Outlaw gangs also cannot own property – such as a clubhouse – because it could be seized as being the proceeds of crime. Southern Division Investigations Inspector John Cormack said raids last week on Coffin Cheaters club rooms in Aspendale and Braeside found they had been operating a premise without a liquor licence. “Our investigation has identified a factory in Braeside which includes a purpose-built bar,” he said. “We believe the bar is a place of assembly for the Coffin Cheaters and their associates. “The community can be reassured that Victoria Police actively monitor OMCG activities and will investigate any illegal activities they are suspected of committing. “Today’s operation is an example of our ability to detect, identify and disrupt alleged illegal activities being undertaken by outlaw motorcycle gangs within our area and draw upon whatever resources are needed.”
Property owners are advised to vet prospective tenants before letting commercial premises. Senior Constable Adam West, of police media, said it could prevent future heartache for property owners. “A little bit of investigation may prevent lost income and disruption in the future,” he said. Police says landlords should always check potential tenant’s credentials, and sight and check all documentation to ensure it is genuine. If tenants have copies of documents ensure that they are certified, meet potential tenants a few times before renting the property and ask them questions. If claims made by the potential tenant conflict with the evidence on hand ask further questions, do some research and check the applicant’s name through Google and on social media. Check application addresses and information on Google maps. Anyone with information on club house sites should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au
Police patrol Stolen car in petrol drive-offs A CAR stolen from an Island Pt Av, Waterways, house overnight Tuesday was later used in three petrol drive-offs and involved in a collision. The 55-year-old victim told police thieves entered his home through an unlocked garage door and stole two mobile phones, laptop, iPad and wallet containing $600 and credit cards from his study, as well as his Nissan Maxima’s car keys. The man’s wife and three children were asleep in the house at the time but none was disturbed. The car was driven to Rowville where it was involved in a petrol drive-off, 10pm Wednesday. The culprits were described as dark skinned with curly hair and black clothing. The car was then seen driving erratically at 100kp/h on the South Gippsland Hwy towards Traralgon, Saturday, 5.43pm, where it was involved in another petrol drive-off. The driver was described as Sudanese, tall, thin, wearing dark clothing. The car was then involved in a collision with another car before driving away without exchanging contact details. It was then used in another petrol drive-off, this time back in Wells Rd, Chelsea Heights, 3pm, Sunday. On this occasion the car was reportedly being driven by a Caucasian male in his 20s. The car’s registration number is XEU601. Anyone with information should call Kingston CIU of 9556 6565.
Cars’ plates, books nicked THIEVES stole 19 sets of new number plates, log books and valet car keys from a Nepean Hwy, Mentone, car dealership, 5am Wednesday. Police said the thieves smashed an upstairs kitchen window and forced entry to an upstairs garage area. They turned off the power to the alarm at the main switch. They then jemmied doors and ransacked offices before running off down Long St when detected by staff. Some log books and number plates were scattered across a driveway during the getaway. Police scanned the crime scene for finger prints. Anyone with information should call Kingston CIU of 9556 6565.
‘Call me stupid’ A ROWVILLE man told Kingston police, “I’m just stupid – there is no reason” when they discovered a kitchen knife in the side pocket of his car door, 2.45pm, Sunday 23 August, near Southland shopping centre. Police were checking the car which was parked in a handicapped bay near the entrance to Coles. The man, 31, was charged with having a controlled weapon, which carries a $1000 penalty.
Arson, assault charges A DINGLEY man who allegedly set fire to mattresses in a shipping container at Dirty Hands
Waste, Spring Rd, Dingley Village, and then allegedly punched another man, has been charged with arson and assault. The incident occurred 10am, Saturday, when the offender, 32, allegedly poured petrol into sleeping quarters following a domestic dispute. A worker at a nearby house saw smoke and called the fire brigade and police. Detective Paul Glew, of Kingston police, said $20,000 damage was caused by the fire at what he termed a “hippy commune”. The offender has been bailed to appear at Dandenong court in November.
Drugs found A MAN sitting in his car at Braeside Park, 6pm, Saturday, was found to have a gram of cannabis in his possession. Kingston police cautioned the 19 year-old Noble Park man.
Tickets, please A MOTORIST travelling west along Como Pde, Mentone, 5.20pm, Thursday, is counting his lucky stars after his car was struck by a train at the Warrigal Rd crossing. The male driver, 43, of Mordialloc, was stopped by traffic as he crossed the line – with a Frankston-bound train approaching. The boom gates lowered and the train driver sounded a warning. The train slowed but was unable to stop in time and the motorist managed to jump clear. The train collided with the car at slow speed. No one was injured and damage to the car was described as minimal. Rail services resumed at 10pm.
Arrest over RSL raid A SKYE man has been arrested over a burglary at the Frankston RSL last month. The incident took place at the Cranbourne Rd premises about 1.30am, Friday 31 July. Memorabilia, including war medals, was stolen. Of special interest is a chess set hand carved by prisoners of war. The items are yet to be recovered. Police executed a search warrant on 21 August and arrested a 24-year-old man. He is expected to be charged on summons with burglary and theft. Police are still searching for a second man, who is described as being aged in his 20s. He was wearing a beanie, gloves, a hooded jumper and track suit pants. Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic.com.au
Traffic stop
It’s ours now: Police remove a Hells Angels’ banner from the Seaford premises. Picture: Gary Sissons
Frankston raid leads to Bonbeach drug arrests POLICE will monitor crime rates in Bonbeach and surrounding areas over the next few weeks to gauge the effect of a substantial drugs’ haul. This comes after nine people were arrested Wednesday – including two men and a woman in a car parked at Oliver’s Hill, Frankston – and others in Seaford and Frankston. The arrests come after a coordinated fourmonth police operation targeting the sale and distribution of methyl-amphetamines in the Bonbeach and Frankston areas. After the hill-top arrests – in which plain clothes detectives in an unmarked courier van slid in beside a parked car with the three allegedly holding a traffickable quantity of ice – they raided a house in Bondi Rd, Bonbeach. Here, they claim a large quantity of drugs – including ice, ecstasy and cannabis – was seized, along with illegal fireworks, OC spray and a significant quantity of cash. A man, 29, and a woman, 25, were charged with drug offences. The man has been remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 23 September charged with drug trafficking, possession of methyl-amphetamines, speed, MDMA, cocaine, cannabis, prescription medication, proceeds of crime, possess explosives and possess OC spray. The woman was bailed to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on 4 December charged with possession of methyl-amphetamines. Four men were then arrested at a property on Nepean Hwy, Seaford. Police allegedly seized
a quantity of drugs including ice, speed, cannabis and prescription drugs. A 40-year-old Seaford man, a 32-year-old Frankston man and a 38-year-old Seaford man have been bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 10 December each charged with possessing a drug of dependence. A 45-year-old Seaford man was also arrested and released pending summons. A warrant was then executed at a property on Hatch St, Pearcedale, where police allegedly seized more ice, a samurai sword and a tomahawk. “We knew where these people were going to be,” Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Rix, of Caulfield Divisional Response Unit, said. “They are part of a gang who deal in drugs, substantial quantities of cash, weapons and handle stolen property – you’ve only got to look at the crime rate in Bonbeach. “We made substantial hauls over the whole day. It was a good outcome.” The arrests and seizures were “a reminder” that police would continue to take action against those engaging in this type of criminal activity, he said. “These warrants should send a clear message to those in the Bonbeach and Frankston areas that police will not tolerate these offences and will continue to proactively target those who engage in this type of criminal behaviour.” Stephen Taylor
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Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 2 September 2015
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