Attention grabbing: The Facebook post by Frankston police that was quickly deleted urging drug dealers to dob in rivals.
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‘No deal’ on police drugs plea Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au AN arresting crime fighting plan by Frankston police asking drug dealers to dob in competitors was quickly dropped last week. Police uploaded a message to its Frankston Eyewatch page on Facebook last Wednesday (13 April) offering to “eliminate” competition from rival drug dealers. A form to be completed and sent to Frankston police station naming drug dealers and listing their names, contact numbers and addresses was provided by police on Facebook. “Is your drug dealing competition costing you money? Would you like to eliminate that problem?” the form asked. “We can take your competition off the streets FOR FREE!!! Report your competition to us … we are happy to help!!!” The short-lived police operation came to an abrupt end mere hours after its launch. “Local Frankston police put the post on their Eyewatch page with the hope it would grab attention from members of the public and increase the amount of intelligence they have on drug deal-
ing,” Victoria Police media unit Inspector Ian Geddes said. “Upon reflection police removed it from the page. Despite that, they are still keen to get information to help them remove drugs and drug dealers from the streets.” When asked Mr Geddes said the short-lived ‘Dealer dob in a Dealer’ campaign had not produced any results. “No. It didn’t.” The wording of the offer by Frankston police marked “ATTENTION DRUG DEALERS” in capital letters was lifted from a US police force’s advert placed in a Texas newspaper the Lumberton Ledger last year. The wording on the ad has since been amended and localised by police forces around the world and seemingly posted as a joke via official law enforcement social media channels. Crime Stoppers is running an official ‘Dob in a Dealer’ campaign asking people to report information about those manufacturing and distributing ice and other illicit drugs in neighbourhoods. “Callers can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 to provide information and remain anonymous,” Mr Geddes said.
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Quality Basswood Shutters at unbeatable prices Feeling flat after arrest A WANTED man driving a stolen Ford Territory at 2.30am, Sunday last week, around the streets of Langwarrin was unconcerned about it having a flat tyre. But residents woken by the noise certainly were and called Frankston police. When they arrived the Seaford man – who was changing the tyre – allegedly attempted to flee along Lennox St before being recaptured with what police say was a small amount of methamphetamines in his pocket. The 35 year old was facing outstanding warrants relating to similar offences and also failing to appear at various courts in February, March and April. He faced Frankston Magistrates’ Court, Monday, but his case was delayed while further charges relating to possession of ice were heard at Dandenong. No result was available when the Frankston Times went to press. He is facing 37 charges, including theft of cars, theft from cars, petrol drive-offs, possession a controlled weapon, driving while disqualified, possessing the drug ice, and offences against the Bail Act. The car theft charges relate to his allegedly visiting car dealerships in Cranbourne, Chelten-
ham, Berwick and Moorabbin over the past few months and inspecting cars, then going for test drives and, allegedly, not coming back. The Ford Territory, which police allege was found with stolen number plates, was taken from the Coles Express, Langwarrin, 30 March, after the owner left the keys in the ignition and went inside to shop.
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Car rams police van THE driver of a car that rammed a Carrum Downs divisional van in Langwarrin early Friday morning is Caucasian, mid-to-late 30s, 180cm tall, with a thin build and shaved head. The incident occurred after a suspicious vehicle was seen in a hotel car park, Cranbourne Rd, at 3am. While police were making inquiries a maroon Ford sedan sped past their car. It was found soon after in a driveway at Wahgunyah Cr. The driver of the car reversed into the front of the van, causing significant damage. The two officers were not injured and the man fled towards Warrandyte Rd. A female passenger was assisting police last week. Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au
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www.jaleighblinds.com.au Frankston Times 18 April 2016
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