NEWS DESK
Veteran shocked at medals theft ON the eve of Anzac Day, callous thieves have stolen war service medals from the Frankston home of a Navy veteran. Leonard Pepyat, 87, who has lived in the same house in Parer St for the past 45 years, is upset that the seven medals – as well as jewellery and clocks – were taken last weekend while he is recovering from spinal surgery at Caulfield Rehabilitation Hospital. “They came in on the Saturday night or early Sunday and trashed the place,” he said. “A mate went around in the morning and saw the mess and rang me straight away.” Thieves stole the service medals Mr Pepyat had earned at sea in international conflicts from 1963 onwards: South East Asian, Logistics Supply, Voluntary, Australia General Service, Pingat Jasa Malaysia, Papua and Far East Stra-
tegic Reserve medals. A member of Frankston RSL, Mr Pepyat said he had also lost two gold wedding rings: one inscribed by his late wife, Florence May who died 23 years ago, with the words “I love you”, his return from service badges, gold cygnet ring, gold choker chain, and two ornamental clocks that “held great sentimental value”. “It’s very upsetting,” he said. “They were miniature medals and they just tipped everything on the floor. “They were obviously looking for money.” Detective Senior Constable Craig Ferris, of Frankston CIU, said the break-in occurred 5-10 April. He said it was “a disgrace” that thieves would target the home of a veteran. He asked that anyone with information call him on 9744 5555 or Crime Stoppers, 1800 333 000.
Medals gone: Navy veteran Leonard Pepyat was recovering from spinal surgery in hospital last weekend when thieves stole seven medals from his Frankston home. Picture: Channel 9 News
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VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN DOESN’T JUST START. IT GROWS. On average, one woman is killed every week at the hands of a current or former partner. One in three women has been a victim of physical or sexual violence, since the age of 15, from someone known to them. One in four young people are prepared to excuse violence from a partner. This is a cycle of violence, which starts with disrespect. Not all disrespect towards women results in violence. But all violence against women starts with disrespectful behaviour.
Two questioned over teenager’s death TWO men were arrested and then “released pending further inquiries” as Missing Persons Unit police probe the death of Chelsea Heights teenager Cayleb Hough. The 17-year-old’s remains were found in a shallow mineshaft in the Lerderderg State Park, Bacchus Marsh, Thursday 10 March and a homicide investigation was launched. Police on Wednesday arrested a 36-year-old Collingwood man and on Tuesday a 28-year-old Gellibrand man. The men were later released. A vehicle seized at the Gellibrand property remains in police custody as the investigation continues. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to crimestoppersvic. vic.gov.au
Bordertown captive’s ordeal ends in Frankston FRANKSTON police arrested a South Australian man, Sunday 17 April, on multiple charges, including aggravated assault and unlawful detention of a woman. The South Australian woman was seen being bundled into a car at Bordertown, 460km from Melbourne, and later found safe and well at a comfort station in Playne St, Frankston. Detective Senior Constable Flyn Loughlin, of Frankston CIU, said the man, 24, of no fixed address, was remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court, Thursday, on drug-related matters, and was flown back to Adelaide Friday. It is unclear why the man drove the woman to Frankston but witness said she was uncooperative when police arrested the man.
When we make excuses like “It’s just boys being boys”, we allow boys to develop attitudes that can lead to violence. We raise girls to expect ridicule from boys when we tell them “He’s only doing it because he likes you”. When we do confront unacceptable behaviour, we play it down by saying “Don’t worry, it wasn’t that bad”. We’re allowing disrespect to become a normal part of growing up. By doing so, we are unintentionally part of the problem. We can all become part of the solution.
STOP the excuses. START a conversation about respect with boys and girls. LEARN more at australia.gov.au/respect
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
LET’S STOP IT AT THE START
A joint Australian, state and territory government initiative.
Authorised by the Australian Government, Capital Hill, Canberra. Frankston Times 25 April 2016
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