NEWS DESK
Piano for the people
Respect snakes in summer months Frankston residents are being warned to look out for snakes and to take care if they cross paths with the potentially dangerous reptiles. Mayor Cr James Dooley says it is not unusual to see snakes in the Frankston region but he reminds people they are a protected species and are not to be harmed. “The Wildlife Act 1975 states that all native animals are protected, so harming a snake is not only devastating to local ecosystems, but it’s also highly illegal,� Cr Dooley said. Many of Frankston’s natural reserves help protect native wildlife, including snakes, which are more often seen in summer after coming out of hibernation. Council does not have the authority to deal with a snake found on private land or property. If a snake is seen near a home it is best to watch from a safe distance until it moves on or contact a licenced snake catcher who will charge a fee for the animal’s removal. Gardens kept free of rubble, tiles and debris are less likely to attract snakes.
BUDDING and accomplished pianists are welcome to tinkle the ivories at The People’s Piano, a piano located on the forecourt of Frankston Library. The People’s Piano is the latest addition to the library forecourt featuring a huge Alice in Wonderland themed mural and a coffee shop with outdoor seating. “This all contributes to creating a welcoming and safe space in one of our city’s most important community hubs,� Frankston mayor Cr James Dooley said. The piano was bought for less than $100 by council and has been painted by Melbourne Murals duo Brigitte Dawson and Melissa Turner to match the Alice in Wonderland mural at the Frankston Library they designed and painted in late 2014. Frankston Library is at 60 Playne St, Frankston. Call 9784 1020 or see library.frankston.vic.gov.au for opening times and activities.
On the waterfront THE Frankston Waterfront Festival takes place this weekend: Saturday 16 January (11am10pm) and Sunday 17 January (11am-6pm). Live music, markets, beach activities, water sports, food, wine and more make the festival a must visit summer event. Spend a weekend by the bay with good friends, great food and memorable entertainment. Entry is free with costs for rides, food and amusements. See frankston.vic.gov.au or facebook.com/ FrankstonWaterfrontFestival or call Frankston Council on 1300 322 322 for further information.
Hey Jude: Frankston resident Jude Martin plays The People’s Piano at Frankston Library’s forecourt. Picture: Yanni
Couple’s crime spree all pain, no gain Stephen Taylor steve@baysidenews.com.au A FRANKSTON couple allegedly went on a senseless crime spree over the Christmas period – with little to show for it except extensive damage to shops and service stations and their upcoming day in court. Police say the 20-year-old man and 21-year-old woman used a Holden Commodore sedan with stolen number plates to: ď Ž Smash through front windows of service stations at Frankston South, Frankston and Carrum Downs while attempting to steal cash from ATMs; ď Ž Crash through the front windows of auto after-market retail outlets at Narre Warren, Dandenong South and ď€
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Cranbourne, and, ď Ž Break into seven veterinary surgeries at Frankston, Frankston South, Cranbourne and Langwarrin. The raids took place between 11 December and 4 January. Detective Sergeant Paul Mealia, of Frankston CIU, said the pair caused “massive damageâ€? to the raided shops and businesses – ranging from $5000 to $30,000 each. In the first raid, offenders wearing balaclavas are captured on CCTV attempting to force entry to an aftermarket retail outlet at Dandenong South, then another in Cranbourne and then another at Narre Warren, where they made off with 35 audio head units value at $16,000. They are then alleged to have raided ď€
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the veterinary surgeries, but managing to steal only charity tins and loose change, before turning their attention to service stations. The pair is alleged to have reversed their car through the front glass doors of the Coles Express on FrankstonFlinders Rd, around 3am, Sunday 3 January, and used a tow strap to rip out the ATM. Accelerating quickly, the force tore the ATM in half, with the top landing 15 metres in front of the store. Finding no money in this part, the pair attempted to rip out the bottom section without success before driving off. At the same time next day, police say the offenders twice reversed their car into the front glass doors of the BP
service station, Frankston-Dandenong Rd, Frankston, but could not get inside. They drove off leaving the car’s driver side taillight at the scene – amid extensive damage. Ten minutes later, police say the same offenders again failed to rip out an ATM, this time at the Caltex service station, Frankston-Flinders Rd, Carrum Downs, after reversing through the front glass doors and tying a chain around the ATM. They accelerated quickly but the chain snapped and the offenders again fled the scene empty handed. An off-duty officer saw the alleged getaway car at Baxter and alerted mobile units. Later, a patrol car came upon the car in Cambridge St, Frankston, and, in a coordinated op-
eration, the occupants were arrested, 9am, Monday 4 January. Detective Mealia said most of the audio headsets were recovered in the car after the arrests. A Frankston man has been charged with seven counts of burglary, five of attempted burglary, six of theft, three of criminal damage and two of going equipped to steal. He has been remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court, Thursday. A Frankston woman has been charged with three counts of burglary, four of attempted burglary, two of theft, three of criminal damage and two of going equipped to steal. She has been bailed to appear at the same court in April.
• New Patients Welcome • Bulk Bill Clinic • Same Day Appointments • T: 9770 5932
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Frankston Times 11 January 2016
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