15 November 2017 by Mornington Peninsula News Group

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Buyers and sellers lose out in deceptions POLICE warn online buyers and sellers of items – and even properties for rent – to beware of scammers after a spate of complaints last week. In one instance, the seller of a mobile phone in Clarinda was seriously injured after arranging to meet a potential buyer in the street outside his Sundowner Avenue home, 10pm, Monday 6 November. The male “buyer” and a mate arrived in a black Mercedes Benz SUV and agreed to buy the phone, which was valued at $700. He gave the seller, 39, an envelope supposedly containing the cash and then attempted to push past him and get into the car. The seller stood his ground between the “buyer” and the car and began counting the “cash” – which he soon realised was counterfeit. By this time the “buyer” had forced his way into the car which was driven off with the seller being dragged along underneath the passenger door. He received shoulder and arm injuries and lacerations to his legs and was hospitalised for treatment. In another instance, a Chelsea man attempting to lease an apartment answered an online advertisement for a Clayton property, Wednesday 1 November. He began negotiations with the supposed “owner” and agreed to rent the Clayton Rd site for $1605 per month after paying a bond for a similar amount: a total of $3210 in advance. After extensive online interaction, the prospective “tenant”, 26, agreed to transfer the money into the “landlord’s” bank account and, a week later, went around to inspect the property. However, it had a “For Rent” sign out front and was being managed by a real estate agent who told him his deal with the online “landlord” must have been a hoax. Detectives say they have a suspect in mind. The online buyer of a car was also tricked into handing over a $350 deposit on a car at Chelsea which was not owned by the man who took his money, Friday 10 November. The buyer, 45, of Carrum Downs, saw an advertisement for an $800 Hyundai sedan which was not roadworthy and not registered. He visited the property, spoke to a woman, and inspected the car before agreeing to pay $650 for it. A man arrived saying he was the owner of the car but that the keys were at his sister’s and he should return the next day with the full amount and take the car. The “seller” then handed over the car’s service books and registration papers as some form of surety. Next day the prospective buyer returned but no one was home. He texted over the next few days but got no reply. After calling in the police a man living nearby was identified as a suspect. Investigations are continuing. Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Stuber, of Kingston CIB, said buyers and sellers should “be careful because unscrupulous dealers often take advantage of the young and naive”. “People should beware the pitfalls of handing over cash,” he said. “Our preferred method of payment is PayPal which provides some form of security to buyers. “Also, buyers and sellers should be aware of their surroundings when dealing with strangers.”

READ MORE mycommunitylife.com.au

Charged over indecent acts

94 31following A MAN has been charged a series of alleged indecent acts near beaches at Mentone and Brighton on Saturday and Sunday 11 and 12 November. Police said the victims “quickly turned away” from the man and reported him to lifesavers. A 52-year-old, of no fixed address, was arrested on Sunday. He has been charged with two counts of directing a sexual act towards another person and bailed to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on Friday 17 November. Police thanked members of the public for their assistance in identifying him.

Beach thefts

MORDIALLOC beachgoers were robbed of 6 319a valuables on Monday afternoon. Police said Caucasian youth, Maori youth and Caucasian girl, all aged about 16, were suspected of stealing numerous items from bags left on the sand while their owners were in the water. The girl was said to have been wearing a rainbow-coloured jumpsuit. Items stolen include cash and sports shoes valued at $450 from a 16-year-old bather; pants, cash and a handbag from a 14-year-old; travel card, handbag and perfume from a 16-year-old and $120 cash from an 18-year-old. When challenged, one of the trio threatened a beachgoer as they ran off towards Parkdale station. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. Dispute turns violent A DISPUTE between neighbours in Mordialloc erupted into violence over the weekend when an elderly man was allegedly hit over the head with a hammer. Police allege a verbal argument in Barkly St got out of hand when an 86-year-old man was struck by his neighbour who is in his early 50s, Saturday 11 November. The elderly man, who received serious but not life threatening injuries, was rushed by ambulance to the Monash Medical Centre. His neighbour was charged with intentionally causing injury and assault with a weapon and bailed to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court in January.

Arrest after assault

A FRANKSTON man was arrested after an 87-yearold woman was allegedly sexually assaulted at Aspendale station, Friday 22 September. The 40-year-old man was charged with sexual assault by Transit Unit detectives. The woman, holding a walking frame, was waiting at the station on Nepean Highway about 11.25am when a man called out to her and asked if she wanted money. He then approached the woman and kissed her on the cheek before allegedly sexually assaulting her. The woman broke free and boarded the train. It is believed the man boarded a Frankston-bound train and got off at Carrum about midday. He has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, Friday 15 December.

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3172 3169Make the most of the warm weather with Kingston Active’s new

GET ACTIVE THIS SUMMER!

outdoor fitness classes featuring yoga, cardio, beach walks and more. Led by Kingston’s expert trainers, enjoy exercising outdoors in some of Kingston’s beautiful parks. • Cardio Blast in the Park: Outdoor cardio program held 12pm Mondays at Mentone Foreshore (Charman Road end) • Body Circuit in the Park: Outdoor circuit class held 5.30pm Tuesdays at Reg Marlow Reserve, Warrigal Road, Mentone •3195 Yoga in the Park: outdoor Yoga class held 9.45am Wednesdays at Keith Styles Reserve, Mentone Parade, Mentone • Beachside Walk: An outdoor walking group, meeting 7.45am Fridays at Mordialloc Lifesaving Club, Beach Road, Mordialloc. BOOK ONLINE kingstonactive.com.au

CAROLS ARE COMING!

Carols by Kingston is a great chance to get together with your friends and family before the holidays and relax in the park to the sounds of Christmas cheer. The event is free and family friendly, showcasing outstanding performers year after year, along with children’s entertainment, a visit from Santa, Thankan artisan Christmas you for vi siting market for your last minute gift ideas and fireworks. KINGSTO

Carols will be held on Sunday 10 December 2017 from 6.30pm at Sir William Fry Reserve in Highett. READ MORE kingston.vic.gov.au/carols

LENS MIST CLOSING SOON

3197 The Lens Mist Photography Award and Exhibition invites artists to place the municipality of Kingston under the microscope and capture something they have never noticed before for a chance to win some huge prizes.

Artists of all ages are encouraged to go on a journey of discovery, scouring local suburbs and unknown places, small and large, for a moment of inspiration illuminated and heightened by the camera. Get in quick - entries close Thursday 14 December! READ MORE kingstonarts.com.au/lensmist

HAVE YOUR SAY

We always are keen to hear from our community on wide range of projects and initiatives. Current projects open for consultation: • • • •

Your say on the future of Cheltenham and Mentone Mentone Reserve Pavilion Planning for a diverse Kingston Regents Park Masterplan.