NEWS DESK Police patrol
with Brodie Cowburn and Stephen Taylor
Burglaries investigated A SERIES of cigarette burglaries in Hallam, Clarinda, and Springvale are being investigated by police. Police believe that two men forced entry into a supermarket on Princes Domain Drive, Hallam, around 1.30am 29 November. The offending duo could not access the cigarette cabinet and left empty-handed. At around 2am the same night, burglars targeted a shop in Balmoral Avenue, Springvale, and again left after a failed attempt to steal cigarettes. At around 2.15am at a Clarinda supermarket, a crowbar was used to force entry through the front door. The offenders gained access to the cigarette cabinet and began stealing them. A smoke bomb deterrent went off and the offenders dropped most of the cigarettes as they fled. Police are investigating if the incidents are linked. They believe a dark coloured hatchback was used by two men perceived to be Caucasian in appearance during each attempt. Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
You’ve lost mail A SPIKE in mail thefts has been reported to police in Kingston and Bayside areas. One offender has been charged in relation to the theft of mail. A police spokesperson said “identity theft in Australia costs us around $2 billion a year. It is then a key enabler of serious and organised crime which costs Australians around $15 billion annually.” “On a personal level, if someone assumes your identity to apply for credit, drain your bank accounts, obtain a criminal record or any other
number of things, it is very, very difficult to prove that wasn’t you. “Please lock your letterbox. Empty your letterbox regularly. Don’t leave personal documents lying around. Be careful online. Don’t share your personal information.”
Is this your drone? MOORABBIN Police are looking to reunite a lost drone with its owner. The drone was found in the Hampton East area and handed into police. An image (below) of the drone has been released. Inquiries to Moorabbin Police Station 9556 6565.
Close eye on schoolies POLICE will be out in force in “significantly increased numbers” this week keeping an eye on schoolies. Learning from the mayhem of previous years, their operations will focus on “preventing and addressing unsociable behaviour”. “Have a good time, but look after yourselves, be mindful of noise and act in a mature and respectful manner towards residents and traders,” police said.
IN THE
specialists HANDS
From high and dry to safe and supported PHILIP worked as an engineer and was a keen yachtsman in his younger days. He sailed solo to Canada and to Tasmania many times. Now, anchored in Frankston South with his faithful dog, Bosun, Philip can still smell the ocean if the wind is blowing in the right direction. He remembers the Canadian trip, explaining clearly how to use Meridian Passage when navigating without GPS. Eight years ago, Philip’s life took a turn for the worse. He had a stroke, followed by two lots of surgery for a brain tumour. This has left him with problems with mobility, balance and memory. At the same his health failed, he suffered a relationship breakdown and lost most of his life savings. He had worked as an engineer and was financially well off, but the illness forced him into early retirement. With just a few big changes to wellbeing and financial circumstances, it’s easy to see how anyone can find themselves in need of assistance. “I know about nuclear physics, but it doesn’t help me with the weekly shopping,” Philip smiles. Because of his high care needs, his Brotherhood of St Laurence Aged Care case manager, Rachel, helped him move from a Level 2 Home Care Package to a Level 4 one. This allows him to draw on more intensive support. He now gets help with activities of daily living including cooking, gardening, shopping and cleaning, and he has access to physiotherapy, so he can work on improving his mobility. “Rachel is my heroine. She is a very capable person who doesn’t forget a thing,” says Philip. Along the way, Philip has also ended up in rental accommodation which he can’t afford, and a case manager has recently found him more affordable housing.
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Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News
“If I didn’t have the Brotherhood I would be living under a bridge. I couldn’t live without them,” says Phillip.
4 December 2019
For more information go to www.bsl.org.au/ services/
Philip at home. Picture: Craig Sillitoe