VicNews

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 • THE VICTORIAN NEWS • VICTORIANNEWS.COM.AU

Moir's View ...

By Alan Moir Monday, 8 March, 2021,08:00

Moir's View ...

Moir's View ...

By Alan Moir Tuesday, 2 March, 2021,08:00

By Alan Moir Thursday, 4 March, 2021,08:00

Moir's View ...

By Alan Moir Friday, 5 March, 2021,08:00

Moir's View ...

Moir's View ...

By Alan Moir Monday, 1 March, 2021,08:00

By Alan Moir Wednesday, 3 March, 2021,08:00

Moir's View ...

By Alan Moir Thursday, 25 February, 2021,08:00

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Morrison buckles under pressure during Question Time

By Ashley Geelan Wednesday, 24 February, 2021,16:00 Prime Minister Scott Morrison today buckled under pressure during Question Time in the House of Representatives. Labor Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese questioned Morrison about what he actually knew about the alleged rape of staffer Brittany Higgins in a Parliament House office. "So the AFP alerted Peter Dutton of Brittany Higgins's allegations on 11 February, the day before Samantha Maiden sent questions to the PMO, despite having a report of the issue for two years. And we don't know why that happened," said Guardian journalist Amy Remeikis on Twitter. The sudden cancellation of Linda Reynolds' National Press Club address "on the advice of doctors," according to Prime Minister Morrison leaves questions. Sudden advice. Today.

When journalists would be asking questions. Very typical of the Liberal Party and its members. The arrogance of Morrison is clear for all to see. He thinks he is in control and anyone with differing views can bugger off. It's typical of Liberal politicians and their deflated enablers. With Craig Kelly now gone to the crossbench to sit as an independent, Labor and Liberal numbers equal across the floor, Albanese tested the numbers but was unsuccessful, with five members on paternal leave. Brittany Higgins? Isn't

that apparently just a modus operandi of Liberal Party branch offices? Nothing to see here. Another day, another Liberal Party liar. The evidence is mounting. Rapidly. "Truly bizarre that Labor would lob a futile motion rather than pursue the unanswered questions of this session. Dutton knows about the Higgins allegation on the 11th. The Morrison office knows on the 12th.

The PM doesn't know until the 15th.

Why?" Guardian political editor katharine Murphy asked on Twitter.

Maybe "it's time" the GovernorGeneral stepped in and dismissed the Government? Call an early election?

After all, Morrison thinks he has the numbers to win one. So does Murdoch. Let's test the numbers.

Now. After all, an election as the COVID-19 vaccine roles out across Australia ... snag sizzles everywhere.

Isn't that economic activity again and 'opening up'? Isn't that Liberal policy 101? Here's an extra $3 a day ... while we get $292 a night, on top of our taxpayer-paid salary and super, but hey here's a job for $10 an hour. Take it. Or the employment minister will pick up the red phone. If someone on the crossbench breaks ranks, there goes supply. If anyone is sponging off the taxpayer, it's Liberal Party members, not the unemployed.

Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating after a high-end designer store shopfront was smashed during a burglary in Melbourne this morning. Police have been told a black SUV reversed into the Collins Street store about 3:40am.

The vehicle was then seen to drive out of the store, turn around and drive forward into the shop. It’s understood two men then got out of the SUV and entered the store through the smashed glass window; before they made off with a number of items. The men involved are both perceived to be Caucasian in appearance with one man described as wearing a black hat and top and the other described as wearing a face covering. A crime scene has been set up while investigators work to establish the value and description of what has been taken from the store which is believed to stock items such as handbags, shoes, accessories, jewellery and fragrances. Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Police operation to improve pedestrian safety in Southbank Smash and grab at high end store in CBD

By Contributed Wednesday, 24 February, 2021,06:00

By Contributed Wednesday, 24 February, 2021,04:00 Pedestrian safety along the Southbank Promenade is the focus of a new Victoria Police operation, targeting speeding cyclists, electric bike and scooter drivers. Southbank

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Promenade is a busy CBD thoroughfare, designed to be used by both bike and scooter riders, and pedestrians at a speed limit of 10km per hour. “Pedestrians are among our most vulnerable road users – if involved in a collision there is very little that protects them from impact,” Southbank Acting Senior Sergeant Brett Sidebottom said. Operation River Run will see the Melbourne Bike Patrol and local police patrol the area at peak travel times to detect and deter speeding offences, as well as those putting other path users in danger. Speed warning signs are in place to notify riders of their speed, and police will also be using handheld speed measuring devices. The first phase of the operation will incorporate an educational approach, with police handing out flyers and making sure those using the space understand the rules. If a cyclist fails to abide by a signposted limit along a shared path, they can be charged on summons and prosecuted under Road Rule 20 of the Road Safety Road Rules 2017. This holds a maximum penalty of $1,652.20.

Police will also be checking those using electric bikes and scooters to ensure their devices are in line with current regulations. This includes: • Scooters – the maximum power must not exceed 200 watts • Electric bike – the maximum power must not exceed 250 watts, and the power assistance must only be available to travel up to 25km an hour (and the power assistance is not available unless the rider is pedalling) “It is incredibly dangerous for all path users to have riders zooming past pedestrians at a great speed, particularly when we have more people coming back into the city visiting the wonderful food and entertainment precincts along Southbank Promenade,” Southbank Acting Senior Sergeant Brett Sidebottom said. If these parameters are not met, then the device can only be used on a private property otherwise that person could be penalised for driving an unregistered motor vehicle. Operation River Run commences today and will run for three weeks. “We know more people

are choosing options such as electric bikes and scooters to get around the city, and we want to make sure their devices are up to standard and in line with current regulations,” Southbank Acting Senior Sergeant Brett Sidebottom concluded.

Fatal fire at Portland

By Contributed Tuesday, 23 February, 2021,09:00

Man charged after fatal collision in Sea Lake

By Contributed Tuesday, 23 February, 2021,17:00 Major Collision Investigation detectives have today charged a man with culpable driving following an investigation into a collision in November last year. The male was allegedly driving a vehicle that struck an off duty local policeman who was riding a bicycle on Sea Lake Road, Sea Lake on 12 November. The 57-year-old Sea Lake man was bailed to appear at the Mildura Magistrates’ Court on 18 May. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Policeareinvestigatingfollowing a fatal fire in Portland, about 350km west of Melbourne, last night.

Emergency services were called to shrubland off Cape Nelson Road to reports of a grass fire about 8pm.

Firefighters located a campervan on fire at the scene. Sadly, a person who is yet to be formally identified was discovered deceased inside the vehicle. A crime scene has been set up and the circumstances surrounding the fire are yet to be determined. An arson chemist and fire investigators from the Arson Squad will attend the site this morning to process the scene. Police are appealing to anyone who saw an older-model white Toyota campervan - with a distinctive metallic box attached to the back - camping in the Portland or Cape Nelson Road area over the past week to come forward.

Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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Police seek assistance to locate Edward

By Contributed Tuesday, 23 February, 2021,04:30

Missing teenager Bonnie

By Contributed Tuesday, 23 February, 2021,09:00 Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 14-year-old Moe teenager Bonnie.

She was last seen in Cranbourne on 17 February but may be in the Shepparton area. Bonnie is 170cm tall with a pale complexion and has red/ginger hair. Police have concerns for her welfare due to her age and the amount of time she has been missing. Anyone who sees Bonnie is urged to contact Moe Police Station on (03) 5128 1100.

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Edward.

The 25-year-old left a medical facility in Ringwood East about 10:50am yesterday and has not been seen since. Police have concerns for his welfare as he suffers from a medical condition that requires medication. It is believed Edward may become confused and erratic as a result of his condition. Edward is described as having a slim build with brown dreadlock hairstyle and tattoos on his neck. He was last seen wearing a dark coloured tee-shirt, loose khaki pants and was barefoot. Anyone who sights Edward is urged not to approach him and call triple zero.

the 58-year-old South Morang man was removing flags from a Findon Road school crossing about 9am when he was struck by a silver vehicle. The collision caused the victim to fall onto the road and roll into the gutter. He was later transported to hospital with upperbody injuries. It is believed the silver vehicle stopped a short distance away from the collision scene before driving away without rendering assistance. Police believe the offending vehicle was a small silver or grey sedan with Victorian registration plates. The female driver is believed to have been Caucasian, approximately 50-years-old with light brown hair. Police are continuing to investigate the incident. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Witness appeal following Epping school crossing hit and run

By Contributed Tuesday, 23 February, 2021,03:30 Greensborough Highway Patrol members are appealing for public assistance after a school crossing supervisor was struck by a vehicle while working in Epping yesterday morning. Investigators have been told

Concern for missing girl Izabella

By Contributed Monday, 22 February, 2021,23:55 Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing girl Izabella. The 12-year-old from was

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last seen about 5:30pm today, leaving her Mooroolbark home on her bicycle.

Izabella is described as 145cm tall with short brown hair and blue eyes.

Police and family have concerns for Izabella’s welfare due to her age.

Anyone who sees Izabella is urged to contact Croydon Police Station on (03) 9724 0100.

investigation into a sexual assault in Melbourne’s CBD last month.

Investigators have been told a 28-year-old woman was walking west along A’Beckett Street about 10:40pm on 2 January when she was approached by an unknown male who grabbed her from behind. The man then sexually assaulted the woman before walking away towards Flagstaff Gardens. He was last seen running towards King Street. The man is captured wearing a white hoodie, black tracksuit pants and white sneakers. Anyone who recognises the man, or has information that could assist police with their enquiries is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

relation to the incident. He appeared at Latrobe Magistrates’ Court today and was further remanded to 19 July.

The charges follow an alleged incident on Buckley Street, Morwell around 12:30am on 20 February. A 19-year-old Churchill man was conveyed to hospital where he later died. The investigation remains ongoing and anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Texting truck driver caught over the limit

By Contributed Monday, 22 February, 2021,14:00

CCTV released as part of Melbourne CBD sexual assault investigation

By Contributed Monday, 22 February, 2021,19:00 Melbourne Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) detectives have released CCTV footage of a man as part of an

Further charges following Morwell homicide

By Contributed Monday, 22 February, 2021,18:30 Homicide Squad detectives have charged a further two men following a fatal assault in Morwell on the weekend. Detectives arrested a 23-year-old Morwell man this morning and a 19-year-old Morwell man this afternoon. Both have been charged with one count of murder and will appear at Latrobe Magistrates’ Court on 23 February. On Saturday, police charged a 20-year-old Morwell man in

A truck driver will have to face the next year without a driver’s licence after being caught allegedly using his mobile phone and over the legal alcohol limit in Malvern East this morning. State Highway Patrol officers were patrolling the Monash Freeway when they observed the driver of a medium-rigid truck allegedly using his mobile phone about 6:30am. “Clearly some drivers think using the freeway is a free way to break the road rules," State Highway Patrol Sergeant Matthew Nott said. The vehicle was intercepted on the Bourke Road exit ramp where the 48-year-old driver returned an alleged evidentiary breath test of .158. The Endeavour Hills man had his licence immediately suspended for 12 months and is

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expected to be charged on summons with drink driving and using a mobile phone while driving.

Order Response Team will continue to take part in the search. Last week police appealed for an anonymous caller to Crime Stoppers who provided details of Ju’s location to make contact again. Investigators are continuing to urge that person to call back and provide further information or to make contact with detectives.

Ju was last seen at her home on Winchester Avenue in Epping at about 5:30pm on Monday, 1 February. At the time the 33-year-old went missing, she was believed to be wearing a pink nightgown and possibly pink slippers. A 35-year-old Doncaster man has been charged with one count of murder. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing. Anyone with information about Ju’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential online report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Parkland search continues for Ju Zhang

Search continues for Ju Zhang in Alphington area

By Contributed Monday, 22 February, 2021,10:30

By Contributed Monday, 22 February, 2021,14:00 Missing Persons Squad detectives will search a second area of parkland today as part of their ongoing investigation into the disappearance of missing Epping woman Ju “Kelly” Zhang. Police will this afternoon search an area around Sparkes Reserve and Napier Waller Reserve. Earlier today police searched an area of bushland and Darebin Creek, west of Sheehan Road in Heidelberg West. The Search and Rescue Squad, Dog Squad and Public

Police are appealing for public assistance to help arrest and detain Carlos Kakos. The 23-year-old is wanted on a warrant in relation to the theft of a motor vehicle and handling stolen goods. Kakos is approximately 175cm tall with a solid build and dark hair. He is known to frequent the Roxburgh Park, Craigieburn and Broadmeadows areas. Anyone who sights Kakos or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Warrant issued for Carlos Kakos

By Contributed Monday, 22 February, 2021,12:30

Missing Persons Squad detectives will return to Heidelberg West today as part of the ongoing search for missing Epping woman Ju “Kelly” Zhang. Police will be searching an area of bushland and Darebin Creek west of Sheehan Road this morning. The Search and Rescue Squad, Dog Squad and Public Order Response Team will also take part in the search. Last week police appealed for an anonymous caller to Crime Stoppers who provided details of Ju’s location to make contact again. Investigators are continuing to urge that person to call back and provide further information or to

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make contact with detectives. Ju was last seen at her home on Winchester Avenue in Epping at about 5:30pm on Monday, 1 February. At the time the 33-year-old went missing, she was believed to be wearing a pink nightgown and possibly pink slippers.

A 35-year-old Doncaster man has been charged with one count of murder. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing. Anyone with information about Ju’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Moir's View ...

By Alan Moir Monday, 22 February, 2021,08:00

the incident, including dashcam footage. Investigators have been told a B Double truck crashed into the rear of a stationary B Double truck about 2:20am on 11 February. The truck which had been stationary then collided with a B double truck in front of it. All three trucks then caught fire.

The driver of the first truck, a 46-yearold man from Parafield Gardens, South Australia, died at the scene.

The driver of the second truck, a 27-year-old man from Langford, Western Australia and his passenger, a 63-year-old man from Carey Park, Western Australia, was taken to hospital and have since been released. The driver of the third truck, a 50-year-old man from Melton, Victoria, was uninjured. The exact cause of the collision is under investigation.

Appeal to identify Elsternwick burglar

By Contributed Monday, 22 February, 2021,09:30 Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives are hoping to identify a man following a burglary in Elsternwick this month. Investigators believe an unknown man forced entry into a McMillan Street residential address sometime between 12:40pm and 1:05pm on Sunday 14 February.

The man stole jewellery, cash and electrical items before fleeing on foot. No one was home at the time of the incident. The man is perceived to be caucasian in appearance, aged between 35 and 45 years, with a medium build and short grey/brown hair. He was wearing a grey hooded jumper with ‘NBL’ on the front, blue denim jeans, a black cap and distinctive white, black and red sneakers. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000orwww.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Appeal for interstate truck drivers following fatal collision at Serviceton

By Contributed Monday, 22 February, 2021,05:30 Detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit and Heavy Vehicle Criminal Investigation Unit are appealing for interstate truck drivers who may have witnessed a fatal collision at Serviceton earlier this month. Investigators believe truck drivers from either South Australia or New South Wales may be able to provide further information on

Witness appeal after Chelsea Heights collision

By Contributed Sunday, 21 February, 2021,12:00 Moorabbin Highway Patrol is appealing for witnesses after a collision in Chelsea Heights on 19 February. Emergency services were called to the corner of Edithvale Road and Egret Drive at 8:07pm after a motorcycle collided with a vehicle.

Investigators believe the motorcycle, a black Suzuki, was travelling southwest on Edithvale Road prior to the collision. The rider sustained

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serious injuries and was transported from the scene by paramedics to hospital. The driver of the vehicle was uninjured and remained at the scene.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Fatal crash at Bunbartha

62-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man, both from St Albans, were out in a small boat just after 2:45pm when it overturned. A vessel rescued the man and woman and brought them to shore. Paramedics attempted to revive the woman, but she died at the scene. The man was uninjured. Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

By Contributed Sunday, 21 February, 2021,00:00

All in the details as police arrest two men in stolen car

By Contributed Sunday, 21 February, 2021,05:30 Two men have been arrested after police identified a stolen vehicle in the Melbourne CBD on Saturday.

Public Order Response Team officers were patrolling Flinders Street when they noticed a vehicle with licence plates that did not match the year model of the car at about 4:30am.

The car was intercepted on Clarendon Street and checks revealed the vehicle to be stolen. A 36-year-old Dallas man was arrested and charged with a string of offences including theft of a motor vehicle, handling stolen goods and driving while suspended. He was bailed to face Melbourne Magistrates Court on 15 July. A 34-year-old Avondale Heights man was also arrested and is expected to be charged on summons with theft of a motor vehicle.

Police are investigating after a fatal crash in Bunbartha on Saturday night. Emergency services were called to Bowey Road near Shepparton-Barmah Road to reports a car had crashed into a tree about 10:25pm. A male driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle who is yet to be formally identified, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Theexactcircumstancessurrounding the collision are yet to be determined and investigations are ongoing. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Death at Werribee South

By Contributed Saturday, 20 February, 2021,17:30 A woman has died after she was located in the water off Werribee South this afternoon. It’s believed the

Investigation continues into Coburg death

By Contributed Saturday, 20 February, 2021,07:00 Homicide Squad detectives believe they are getting closer to solving the brutal murder of an elderly man in his Coburg home last year. Kon Kritikos was home alone at his Reynard Street property when he was located by a family member just before 11pm on 11 November. The 87-year-old had been seriously assaulted. “Let me be clear from the outset – this is a matter that Homicide Squad detectives not only believe we can solve, but that we will solve," Detective Inspector Tim Day said. He was subsequently conveyed to hospital, where he passed away on 24 November. Detectives spoke to a 57-year-old Coburg man and a 45-year-old Kurunjang woman who were at the property when police arrived on the night. Both people were known to the victim. However,

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the pair was released pending further enquiries and no one has been charged in relation to the matter. Kon was located at 11pm, however, detectives have been able to narrow down the time of his assault and are in possession of evidence to suggest that this occurred earlier in the day, between 3:30pm and 5:30pm.

Homicide Squad detectives are today renewing their appeal for information and are urging anyone who may have seen anything at the property or has knowledge of the incident to come forward. Investigators are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen a female at the address during the day. "This was an incredibly violent attack on one of the most vulnerable members of our community," Detective Inspector Tim Day said. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

assistance to help locate missing teen Sylvie. The 16-year-old was last seen in Albert Park three to four days ago. Police and family hold concerns for Sylvie due to her age. Sylvie is described as 165cm tall, with a slim build, light brown hair and brown eyes. Police have released an image of Sylvie in the hope someone recognises her and can provide information on her current whereabouts. Anyone who sees Sylvie is urged to contact Melbourne North Police Station on (03) 8379 0800.

released in the hope someone may recognise him and provide information on his current whereabouts. Jake is described as Caucasian in appearance, 165cm tall with a thin build, blonde hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a red jersey with the number 32 on the back, black ripped jeans, black Nike runners, a white cap and carrying a black bumbag. Anyone who sees Jake or with information is urged to contact Footscray Police Station on (03) 8398 9800.

Car located as Pakenham South fatal collision investigation continues

By Contributed Friday, 19 February, 2021,21:30

Missing boy Jake

By Contributed Saturday, 20 February, 2021,04:30

Missing teen Sylvie

By Contributed Saturday, 20 February, 2021,05:30 Police are appealing for public

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing boy Jake. The 11-year-old was last seen on Moreland Street, Footscray about 5:50pm Friday afternoon. Police hold concerns for Jake due to his young age. An image of Jake has been

MajorCollisionInvestigationUnit detectives have identified a vehicle they had been searching for as part of an investigation into a fatal collision in Pakenham South. Police located a scooter rider unresponsive at the intersection of Healesville-Koo Wee Rup and Ballarto roads in Pakenham South just before 7pm on 9 February.

The 60-year-old Pakenham man was taken to hospital in a critical condition but sadly later died. Police believe the scooter was travelling south on Koo Wee Rup Road when it was possibly struck by a yet to be identified vehicle that failed to stop at the scene Police released CCTV and images last week,

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appealing for the driver of a white Toyota HiLux believed to be in the area at the time of the crash to come forward. That vehicle has since been located and a 50-year-old Lang Lang man is assisting detectives with their enquiries. Investigations remain ongoing.

Taskforce ICARUS drug trafficking arrest

By Contributed Friday, 19 February, 2021,16:30

Missing Bundoora teen Xavier

By Contributed Friday, 19 February, 2021,21:30 Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing Bundoora teenager Xaiver. The 15-year-old was last seen at a Bundoora address on 17 February.

Investigators believe he may have travelled to the Shepparton area.

Police hold concerns for Xaiver due to his young age and the length of time he has been missing. Xaiver is described as approximately 165cm tall, with light brown hair, blond tips and blue eyes. Anyone who sights Xaiver or with information is urged to contact Shepparton Police Station on (03) 5820 5777.

Detectives from Joint Taskforce Icarus and Taskforce Trident arrested a man yesterday as part of an investigation into alleged drug trafficking. Investigators executed a search warrant at an address in Lewis Street, Thornbury and arrested a 45-year-old Bellfield man. During the course of the investigation, the Australian Border Force seized almost 25kg of drugs including methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. The Bellfield man has been charged with importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs and will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today. Victoria Police Detective Acting Inspector Mark Newlan of the Trident Taskforce said the success of this operation again highlights what can be achieved through the commitment of law enforcement agencies to pool their resources and expertise. “Each of the agencies bring their own particular strengths to combat the growing availability of drugs – and consequently, the harm caused by drugs” he said. “The street doses that would have eventually been consumed by Victorians from this consignment alone were 142,000 points of meth; 35,000 caps of heroin; and 10,000 lines of cocaine” Australian Federal Police Detective InspectorAnthonySinnsaidthemulti-

agency operation was a testament to Commonwealth and state law enforcement's combined determination to stop criminals from importing drugs into Australia. “The Australian public can rest assured that the AFP and its partner agencies are committed to keeping the community safe. This seizure represents another blow to organised crime, bringing alleged criminals to justice and protecting Australians from the terrible social damage caused by illicit substance abuse.”

Detective Inspector Sinn said.

Australian Border Force Acting Commander Nick Walker said the combined reach of law enforcement agencies is far greater than offenders anticipate. “The ABF’s technical expertise and joint activity with law enforcement partners has a multiplier effect. Sharing intelligence and working together enhances the breadth of our reach to disrupt criminal activity, keeping the community safe from harmful drugs,” Acting Commander Walker said. Joint Task Force Icarus is staffed by Victoria Police, Australian Border Force, Australian Federal Police and the Department of Home Affairs.

Trio charged following Mt Martha home invasion

By Contributed Friday, 19 February, 2021,15:30 Southern Metro Crime Team

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detectives have charged three male youths following an alleged aggravated home invasion in Mount Martha. Two 17-year-olds, from Doveton and Narre Warren South, were both charged with two counts of aggravated home invasion, aggravated burglary and five counts of theft of a motor vehicle. A 14-yearold from Noble Park was charged with aggravated home invasion and two counts of theft of a motor vehicle. The charges relate to an alleged home invasion at a Kilburn Grove address where an Audi was stolen at about 1:30am on Wednesday, 3 February. A 50-year-old victim sustained minor injuries in the incident.

or with information is urged to contact Sunbury Police Station on (03) 9744 8111.

Five youths arrested in Derrimut

By Contributed Friday, 19 February, 2021,10:30

Search for missing man Michael

By Contributed Friday, 19 February, 2021,13:30

Search for missing woman Rachel

By Contributed Friday, 19 February, 2021,15:00 Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 21-year-old Sunbury woman Rachel.

Rachel was last seen in Sunbury at about 4pm on Thursday 11 February.

Police and family hold concerns for Rachel’s welfare as she has a medical condition and her disappearance is out of character.

Rachel is approximately 165cm tall, with a solid build and has distinctive blue hair. Anyone who sights Rachel

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 25-year-old man Michael. Michael was last seen leaving Maroondah Hospital at about 9:50am yesterday.

Police and family are concerned for his welfare as he has several medical conditions. He is known to frequent the Croydon and Knox areas. Michael is described as being about 180cm tall with a thin build and black hair.

He was last seen wearing a black jumper, black pants and red shoes.

Anyone who sights Michael or with information is urged to contact Croydon Police Station on (03) 9724 0100.

Police arrested five youths in an allegedly stolen vehicle in Derrimut on Thursday night. A member of the public called police after spotting his stolen car in Tarneit shortly after 7pm. The Air Wing attended, monitoring the vehicle from above and guiding police on the ground to the vehicle’s location. Stop sticks were successfully deployed causing one of the vehicle’s tyres to blow out along Mt Derrimut Road. Five male youths were arrested in the area a short time later. Four teenagers from Albion, Meadow Heights and Highton, ranging in age from 13 to 16, were each charged with a range of offences including reckless conduct endangering serious injury, theft of a motor vehicle, handle stolen goods and commit an indictable offence while on bail. They were remanded to appear at a children’s court at a later date. A 16-year-old Sydenham male was charged with theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods and commit an indictable offence while on bail. He was bailed to appear at children’s court at a later date.

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Three arrested after Aintree aggravated carjacking

By Contributed Friday, 19 February, 2021,08:30 Local police and the Dog Squad have arrested three people following an aggravated carjacking in Aintree this morning. Officers were called to the intersection of Woodlea Boulevard and Leakes Road following reports a taxi driver had been assaulted about 4am. Police have been told the driver picked up a woman and two men in the Ballarat area and agreed to drive them to Sydenham before a dispute over the fare ensued. The group demanded their money back and allegedly punched the driver to the back of the head before threatening him with a pole. One offender allegedly took the victim’s car keys until receiving the cash. The group then fled on foot towards Taylors Road. A dog squad unit quickly responded and tracked down the offenders who were hiding in a field. Two Sydenham men, aged 22 and 28, and a 28-year-old Ballarat woman were arrested and are currently assisting police with their enquiries. The 32-year-old driver was treated at the scene for non-lifethreatening injuries.

Moir's View ...

By Alan Moir Friday, 19 February, 2021,08:00

14 arrested as police launch Operation Achilles to target hoons

By Contributed Friday, 19 February, 2021,08:00 Victoria Police continues to crack down on illegal and dangerous hoon drivers, with 14 people arrested over the past two days in relation to a recent St Kilda hoon meet and the launch of a new state-wide operation.

Assistant Commissioner Russell Barrett stated Operation Achilles has been established following a rise in the number of illegal hoon meets and other intentional high-risk driving (IHRD) events over the past few months. “Hoon activity is dangerous and not simply a bit of harmless fun.

We’ve seen these kinds of behaviours result in both death and serious

injury,” Asst. Commissioner Barrett said. As part of Achilles, investigators across the state will work together to reduce and disrupt hoon activity using shared intelligence to identify those responsible for organising hoon meets. This intelligence will also be used to task proactive patrols to identified hoon hotpots using a range of personnel from across the state, including officers from the Highway Patrol, Crime Investigation Units, Divisional Response Units and local general duties police. The operation will also see police continuing to proactively monitor known groups and targeting persons of interest in an effort to stop people from engaging in and organising illegal hoon meets. Police will also be looking to engage with a range of different stakeholders to discuss potential infrastructure enhancements in key hoon hot spots.

Following thorough investigations over the past few weeks, detectives from the Port Phillip Crime Investigation Unit have arrested 14 people in relation to an alleged illegal hoon meet that occurred at Marine Parade, St Kilda on 21 January.

Police executed 14 search warrants over the past two days across a number of suburbs in metropolitan Melbourne including Springvale, Roxburgh Park, Boronia, Mernda, Hillside, Blackburn, Malvern East, Officer, Lalor, Dandenong North, Preston and Hampton Park. Police seized 12 cars including a 2015 Mercedes B GTS Roadster, 2011 Ford Falcon G6E sedan, 2016 Holden Commodore SS sedan, 1996 Ford Falcon XR6 sedan, 1994 Ford Falcon XR8 sedan, 1989 Nissan Skyline R31 sedan, 1995 Nissan 180 SX coupe, 1995 Holden Commodore S sedan, 2011 Mercedes C63 sedan, 1999 Nissan Stagea wagon, 1992 Holden Commodore Wagon and 2010 Ford XR6 sedan. The total value of the cars seized across the two days is more than $370,000. Those arrested include 14 men aged between 18 and 45-years-old. They have been charged with offences including conduct endangering a person, possess prohibited weapons, possess a

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controlled weapon, possess drug of dependence, possess imitation firearm, attempted criminal damage and behave in a riotous manner. We want to reassure the community that this type of work will continue as part of Operation Achilles, with police committed to investigating illegal hoon activity and putting offenders before the court. “Operation Achilles will target those who blatantly disregard the law and as a result, put the safety of the entire community at risk,” Asst. Commissioner Barrett said. If you need immediate police assistance always call Triple Zero (000). Report any dangerous driving or hoon activity to your local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. “The penalties for hooning are significant and our message to anyone out there is simple - we will find you, arrest you, put you before the courts and seize your car,” Asst.

Commissioner Barrett said.

Appeal for witnesses after fire at St Kilda toilet block

By Contributed Friday, 19 February, 2021,05:00 Detectives from Port Phillip Crime Investigation Unit are appealing for public assistance following a suspicious fire at a toilet block in St Kilda on Thursday, 18 February. Emergency services were called to Alma Park following reports

of a fire at about 7am. No one was inside the block and the fire was extinguished swiftly but caused an estimated $400,000 worth of damage to the building and a local sporting club’s equipment. Police will have an information caravan set up at the scene between 6am and 8am this morning appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious. Detectives have a particular interest in speaking with a man they have been told was walking his dog in the vicinity of the toilet block at the time of the fire and may be a witness. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Detectives charge fourth person following death of Kobie Parfitt

By Contributed Thursday, 18 February, 2021,20:30 Missing Person Squad detectives have today charged a fourth person following the death of Ballarat woman Kobie Parfitt. A

31-year-old Mount Clear woman has been charged with one count of murder. She will appear at Ballarat Magistrates’ Court tomorrow. Three other people have already been charged in relation to Kobie’s death: a 35-year-old man, who is currently at a correctional facility, was charged last week - a 32-year-old woman, who is currently at a correctional facility, was charged last month - a 31-yearold Wendouree man was charged in December Police located human remains in a mine shaft in Snake Valley on 22 December while they were searching the area as part of the investigation into Kobie’s disappearance. Kobie, 43, was last been seen alive at a Hickman Street property on 28 April.

The investigation remains ongoing but police are not looking for any other persons in relation to this matter.

Appeal for mystery caller to come forward in search for Ju Zhang

By Contributed Thursday, 18 February, 2021,20:30 Missing Persons Squad detectives are appealing for a person who provided information on the whereabouts of Ju “Kelly” Zhang to make contact again. A person called Crime Stoppers anonymously this morning and provided details of Ju’s location. Investigators are urging that person to call back and provide

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further information or to make contact with detectives. Ju was last seen at her home on Winchester Avenue in Epping at about 5:30pm on Monday, 1 February. At the time the 33-year-old went missing, she was believed to be wearing a pink nightgown and possibly pink slippers.

A 35-year-old Doncaster man has been charged with one count of murder. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing. Anyone with information about Ju’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential online report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Downs.

Both teens were subsequently charged with: • aggravated home invasion; • three counts of false imprisonment; • intentionally cause injury; • three counts of making threats to kill; and • theft of a motor vehicle. The arrests form part of an ongoing investigation into an aggravated home invasion in Kurunjang on 9 December 2020. It’s alleged a group of males broke into the property on Highfield Way about 2:50am, armed with a range of weapons. The two men and woman residing at the property were threatened, with one man seriously assaulted and requiring hospitalisation. The Gang Crime Squad was established within Crime Command to target street gangs, with a focus on disrupting and preventing their criminal offending.

13 February. The female driver of the SUV also sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition. Tragically, the 34-year-old Koo Wee Rup woman and her unborn child died in hospital shortly after. Her two passengers, both young children, sustained nonlife-threatening injuries and were transported to hospital as a precaution. Casey Highway Patrol officers will prepare a report for the Coroner.

Arrests following Kurunjang aggravated home invasion

By Contributed Thursday, 18 February, 2021,18:30 Detectives from the Gang Crime Squad have made further arrests as part of their investigating into an aggravated home invasion in Kurunjang last year. Investigators executed a warrant at a Baradine Court, Sunbury address and arrested two male teenagers about 9am this morning. An 18-year-old from Deer Park and a 17-year-old from Fraser Rise both remain in custody assisting detectives with their enquiries and are expected to be charged later today. Earlier this week, detectives arrested an 18-year-old Fitzroy man and a 17-year-old male from Keilor

Third person dies following Pakenham South collision

By Contributed Thursday, 18 February, 2021,15:30 A third person has died following a multi-vehicle collision in Pakenham South earlier this month.

Investigators understand a white utility collided with a silver SUV on Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road about 8am on Thursday, 4 February. The sole occupant of the utility, a 62-yearold Narre Warren North man, was airlifted to hospital with lifethreatening injuries but sadly died on

Warrant issued for Tim Georgiadis

By Contributed Thursday, 18 February, 2021,15:00 Police are appealing for public assistance to arrest 21-year-old Roxburgh Park man Tim Georgiadis.

A warrant has been Mr Georgiadis' arrest in relation to breaching parole.

Georgiadis is approximately 170cm tall with a thin build, brown hair, and brown eyes. He is known to frequent the northern and south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Anyone who

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sights Geogiadis or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

with information is urged to contact Ballarat Police Station on (03) 5336 6000.

solid build. Anyone who recognises the man, or has information that could assist police with their enquiries is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000orwww.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Moir's View ...

By Alan Moir Thursday, 18 February, 2021,08:00

Search for missing man Simon

By Contributed Thursday, 18 February, 2021,14:30 Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 51-year-old Alfredton man Simon.

Simon was last seen in Alfredton at about 2pm on Wednesday 17 February. Police and family hold concerns for Simon’s welfare as his disappearance is extremely out of character. Simon is approximately 188cm tall, with a solid build and is described as having balding grey hair.

He was last seen wearing a white tshirt, blue sports shorts, runners and a black hat. Police believe he could be in NSW, particularly the Gundagai area. Anyone who sights Simon or

Brighton sexual assault investigation

By Contributed Thursday, 18 February, 2021,11:00 Bayside Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) detectives have released a digital composite image of a man as part of an investigation into a sexual assault at a Brighton pier last month.

Investigators have been told a 14-year-old girl was swimming with friends at the Middle Brighton Pier, on Wednesday 13 January, when she was sexually assaulted by an unknown man about 4:40pm. The girl was swimming back to a ladder along the pier when the man grabbed her while in the water and sexually assaulted her. The man was last seen swimming away from the area. He is perceived to be in his 20, with short dark hair, had blue/green eyes and a

Men charged with attempted murder following Campbellfield stabbing

By Contributed Thursday, 18 February, 2021,05:30

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Hume Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged two men with attempted murder following an alleged stabbing in Campbellfield late last week. The pair, aged 30 and 23-years-old, have each been charged with one count of attempted murder, conduct endangering serious injury and other assault-related charges.

The charges follow a confrontation between the victim and a group of people, believed known to one another, outside a Somerset Road address on Thursday 11 February at about 1:10pm. A 26-year-old man was allegedly stabbed during the incident and was taken to hospital with what was believed at the time to be lifethreatening injuries. The 30-year-old man from Docklands was arrested by the Special Operations Group on Friday 12 February following the execution of a warrant. He appeared before the court and was remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 11 May 2021.

The 23-year-old man was arrested yesterday and appeared before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court late last night. The Roxburgh Park man was remanded to reappear in court today.

attempted to intercept the silver Pajero, which was towing a trailer, on Gillies Street, Wendouree, about 7:38am. The Pajero evaded police by driving through a red light at the intersection of Sturt Street and Gilles Street, Alfredton and entering Victoria Park. Police stopped following due to safety concerns. Police received further information that the Pajero had become bogged in the park.

Units attended around 8am and the Pajero was seen driving around walking tracks, forcing a number of pedestrians to jump out of the way.

Police pursued the vehicle due to the dangerous driving on display. The vehicle was stopped in Park Street and the driver, a 28-year-old Wendouree man, arrested. He is expected to be interviewed for reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, dangerous driving whilst pursued by police, possess drug of dependence, possess controlled weapon and other traffic offences.

of a driveway. The woman was trapped under the vehicle for some time while emergency services worked to free her. She was later transported to hospital with serious injuries where she passed away last night. The driver of the vehicle, a man in his 30’s, stopped at the scene and is currently assisting police with their enquiries. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000orwww.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Christopher Britton wanted

By Contributed Wednesday, 17 February, 2021,09:30

Pedestrian dies after Reservoir collision Arrest after pursuit in Ballarat

By Contributed Wednesday, 17 February, 2021,13:00 A man has been arrested after a Mitsubishi Pajero evaded police in Ballarat this morning. Officers

By Contributed Wednesday, 17 February, 2021,12:30 A woman has died after being struck by a reversing vehicle in Reservoir yesterday afternoon. The woman - in her 90’s - was walking along Aberdeen Street about 3pm when she was struck by a white Hyundai van that was reversing out

Police are appealing for public assistance to arrest Christopher Britton. The 58-year-old is wanted on a warrant for deception related offences. Britton is known to frequent the Traralgon, Point Cook and Melbourne CBD areas. He is described as Caucasian in appearance, 187cm tall, with a medium build, fair coloured hair and a fair complexion.

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Moir's View ...

By Alan Moir Wednesday, 17 February, 2021,08:00

Pakenham South scooter rider dies

By Contributed Wednesday, 17 February, 2021,09:00 MajorCollisionInvestigationUnit detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses following a fatal collision in Pakenham South on 9 February. Police located a scooter rider unresponsive at the intersection of Healesville-Koo Wee Rup and Ballarto roads in Pakenham South just before 7pm. The 60-year-old Pakenham man was taken to hospital in a critical condition but sadly died overnight. Police believe the scooter was travelling south on Koo Wee Rup Road when it was possibly struck by a yet to be identified vehicle that failed to stop at the scene. The exact circumstances around the incident are yet to be determined and police are seeking to speak to a man they believe may have witnessed the incident. Police are appealing for the driver, anyone else who witnessed the collision, or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Drugs and ammunition seized in Mill Park

By Contributed Wednesday, 17 February, 2021,08:30 Detectives from the Echo Taskforce have charged a man after seizing drugs and ammunition in Mill Park yesterday morning.

Investigators executed a search warrant at an Allawah Court address and seized a number of items including cannabis, ammunition, a motorcycle and a vehicle. A 22-yearold man was arrested at the scene and he has been charged with a nonprohibited person possess a firearm, possess a drug of dependence, possessing ammunition without a permit. The Mill Park man, who is a member of the Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang, was bailed to appear at the Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 16 June. Detectives will now await the results of a forensic examination of the seized vehicle.

Man arrested over retail burglary series

By Contributed Wednesday, 17 February, 2021,02:30 Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested and charged a man following a series of retail burglaries across metropolitan Melbourne. Police arrested the 40-year-old Heidelberg Heights man in Kew on Tuesday 16 February in relation to an ongoing investigation regarding a series of alleged burglaries at retail premises. The alleged burglaries occurred between January 26 and February 15 at Coburg North, Keilor Downs, Bundoora, Campbellfield, Richmond, Hallam, Cranbourne North, Caroline Springs, Yarraville, Keysborough, Hawthorn, Camberwell, Berwick, Ringwood, Northcote and Braybrook.

He was charged with 54 offences including burglary, theft and committingindictableoffenceswhilst on bail. He was remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later today.

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Deanside fatal crash

By Contributed Wednesday, 17 February, 2021,00:00 Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash in Deanside this evening.

Emergency services were called to Sinclairs Road about 9:25pm to reports a vehicle had crashed into a power pole and caught fire. The driver, who is yet to be formally identified, sadly died at the scene. A child passenger of the vehicle was taken to hospital with unknown injuries. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined and police are keen to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of the scene at the time of the crash. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Fatal collision in Cranbourne

By Contributed Tuesday, 16 February, 2021,11:30 MajorCollisionInvestigationUnit detectives are investigating the

circumstances surrounding a fatal collision between a car and pedestrian in Cranbourne this evening. Police and emergency services were called to Thompsons Road about 8:45pm after reports that the car and a pedestrian had collided.

The pedestrian, a man, sustained critical injuries and unfortunately died at the scene. The driver of the car stopped at the scene and is assisting police with their enquiries The exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be determined.

Police are asking for anyone who may have seen a pedestrian acting strangely or walking in the vicinity of the South Gippsland Highway and Thompsons Road or who may have witnessed the collision or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

and failing to appear at court for drug and aggravated burglary-related matters. Investigators believe he may be residing in Fishery Falls, Queensland. Pearce is described as Caucasian in appearance, 175cm tall, thin build, light brown hair and has a celestial star tattooed on the left side of his neck. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000orwww.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Moir's View ...

By Alan Moir Tuesday, 16 February, 2021,08:00

Gary Pearce wanted on warrants

By Contributed Tuesday, 16 February, 2021,10:30 Police are appealing for public assistance to arrest and detain 28-year-old Gary Pearce. Mr Pearce has five outstanding warrants in relation to contravening court orders

Bottle flung at camera operator

By Contributed Tuesday, 16 February, 2021,03:45 Police officers from Morwell are searching for a driver after a bottle

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was flung from a moving vehicle towards a mobile road safety camera operator. The operator has parked on Traralgon – Maffra Road in Glengarry at about 7:15pm on 31 December last year. It’s understood that the operator heard a male voice, then a loud crack, as the glass bottle was thrown from a moving vehicle at the windscreen of his vehicle, causing extensive damage. The victim, a 62-year-old Toongabbie man, was uninjured during the incident. The vehicle is described as a white dual cab ute, possibly a Nissan Navara D22 with two spotlights, a silver bulbar, black tray and was carrying a blue esky in the tray. Police have today released pictures of the car and vision of the incident in the hope that someone may recognise the vehicle.

Officers have been unable to obtain a registration number from the footage.

Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

84-year-old man into a public toilet before stealing his cash and Medicare card at about 3pm on Monday 18 January. Detectives believe this woman could assist their investigation. She is perceived to be a First Nations person in appearance, approximately 30-40 years old with a solid build, wearing a blue floral dress and white headscarf. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

80km/h zone.

Police quickly intercepted the vehicle and spoke to the driver, a 19-year-old male who was just 10 seconds from his home.

His car was impounded at a cost of $843 and he is expected to be charged on summons for speeding offences.

Footscray woman charged following St Kilda aggravated burglary

By Contributed Monday, 15 February, 2021,19:00

Too fast in Templestowe CCTV released in St Kilda robbery investigation

By Contributed Tuesday, 16 February, 2021,03:30 Detectives from the Port Phillip Criminal Investigation Unit have released CCTV footage of a woman in relation to a robbery in St Kilda last month. Investigators have been told an unknown woman forced an

By Contributed Monday, 15 February, 2021,23:00

A 34-year-old Footscray woman has been charged with aggravated burglary, burglary, theft and deal with property following an aggravated burglary in St Kilda last night. She was bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 12 July. The charges follow an incident at a Charnwood Crescent address where a 19-year-old woman woke to noise about 11:50pm.

A probationary diver has had his vehicle impounded for 30 days after being detected allegedly more than 65km/h over the speed limit in Templestowe. The grey Mercedes wagon caught the eye of Nunawading Highway Patrol members along Williams Road about 4:35pm this afternoon. Members detected the vehicle, which was travelling northbound, allegedly reaching speeds of up to 145km/h in an

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evening. The Footscray man was released pending enquiries. The investigation remains ongoing.

the incident.

Serial bike shop thief charged

By Contributed Monday, 15 February, 2021,17:00 Maribyrnong Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man for a range of commercial burglaries and vehicle-related crime, including most recently a ram raid burglary in Altona Meadows on Saturday night. It is believed three men drove through the front windows of a bike store on Queen Street at about 11:55pm on 13 February and loaded their vehicle with a number of bikes before driving off. The vehicle allegedly involved in the ram raid was sighted by Footscray police overnight with two men inside. A 26-year-old Drysdale man and 50-year-old Footscray man were both arrested and taken into police custody. The Drysdale man has been charged with a range of offences linked to an alleged series of incidents, which include: Ram raid burglary on a bike shop in Douglas Parade, Williamstown on 2 February; Commercial burglary at a liquor store on Sunshine Road in Tottenham on 6 February; Ram raid burglary on a bike shop on Whitehorse Road in Box Hill on 7 February; Ram raid burglary on a bike shop on Dandenong Road, Carnegie on 12 February; and Several incidents of motor vehicles being stolen in West Footscray and Flemington. Police believe over $180,000 worth of items, including bikes and cars, were stolen. The Drysdale man has been charged with multiple counts of burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, theft of property, handle stolen goods and committing an indictable offence while on bail.

He is expected to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court this

Moir's View ...

By Alan Moir Monday, 15 February, 2021,08:00

Appeal for driver to assist in Pakenham South hit and run investigation

By Contributed Monday, 15 February, 2021,12:30 MajorCollisionInvestigationUnit detectives have released CCTV footage of a driver they believe could assist with an investigation into a hit and run collision that has left a man in a critical condition. Police located a scooter rider unresponsive at the intersection of Healesville-Koo Wee Rup and Ballarto roads in Pakenham South just before 7pm on 9 February.

It is believed the scooter was travelling south on Koo Wee Rup Road when it was struck by a yet to be identified vehicle that failed to stop at the scene. A 60-year-old Pakenham man was taken to hospital in a critical condition where he remains. Extensive investigations have since taken place and police have spoken with a number of drivers who were in the vicinity at the time of

St Kilda resident stops aggravated burglar

By Contributed Monday, 15 February, 2021,06:00 A plucky resident has managed to slow down and detain a would-be burglar in St Kilda overnight.

Investigators have been told a 19-year-old woman woke to hear movement in her Charnwood Crescent residence about 11:50pm.

She initially thought it was one of her dogs moving, but when she heard the

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dog growl she decided to investigate further. She got out of bed and went to her lounge room where a woman confronted her. The victim attempted to call police, but as she did, the woman attempted to flee the premises by smashing a window on the front door. This was unsuccessful and the woman made a run for the back door. The 19-year-old grabbed her and a scuffle ensued. As the scuffle went on the victim managed to grab the offender around the legs, slowing her down. Eventually, the offender managed to free herself and make her way outside where she was duly arrested by arriving police. A 43-year-old woman from Footscray is currently in custody and assisting police with enquires.

Sunday, 14 February, 2021,17:00

Hampton East man Trent missing

By Contributed Sunday, 14 February, 2021,18:00 Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 42-year-old Hampton East man Trent.

He was last seen on 15 December in Hampton East and described as 185cm tall with a medium build and ginger-coloured hair. Trent is known to frequent the Melbourne CBD area.

Anyone who sights Trent or with information is urged to contact Bayside Police Station on (03) 8530 5100.

East Gippsland Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man after uncovering a large quantity of materials allegedly used to manufacture explosives during a search warrant in Flaggy Creek. Detectives attended the Flaggy Creek Road address on 10 February after receiving information that an occupant at the address was purchasing the materials.

Investigators executed a search warrant at the address where they located a large quantity of chemical substances and other materials related to the manufacture of explosive substances. The Arson and Explosives Squad and a Victoria Police Forensic Services Centre Arson Chemist attended the scene with East Gippsland CIU members again on 11 February where a full search of the property was conducted. A 53-year-old Flaggy Creek man was arrested and has since been charged with multiple counts of possess prescribed precursor chemical as well as firearms and weapons-related offences. He has been remanded to face Sale Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

Fatality in Wandin North

By Contributed Sunday, 14 February, 2021,22:00 Police are investigating after a crash left a woman travelling along Lewis Road just after 7:30pm deceased in Wandin North tonight.

It’s believed the vehicle left the road and rolled. The female driver, who is yet to be formally identified, has died at the scene. Two children in the vehicle have been taken to hospital with minor injuries. The exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined at this stage.

Gippsland man found with 'large quantity' of ingredients for explosives

By Contributed

Traralgon drink driver

By Contributed

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Sunday, 14 February, 2021,06:00 A 36-year-old Traralgon man has had his vehicle impounded for 30 days for alleged drink driving offences in Traralgon on Saturday night. Officers intercepted a car on Shakespeare Street at about 9:15pm and spoke to the driver. He underwent a preliminary breath test and was requested to undergo an evidentiary test where he returned an alleged reading of 0.321%. His car was impounded with costs of $1005 and he is expected to be charged on summons for drink driving offences.

He also received a penalty notice for breaching Chief Health Officer directions.

possibly from the Holden, at a local convenience store with a suspected broken leg. He was taken to hospital for treatment under police guard. The three males from the address were also taken to hospital for treatment.

Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

been charged with affray and bail offences and remanded to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday. A 17-year-old male from Tullamarine has been charged with affray and bail offences. Two 15-yearold males from Southbank and Heidelberg Heights have been charged with affray and bailed to face a childrens court at a later date. A 17-year-old female from Rockbank was interviewed and has been released pending further enquiries. A 16-year old male from Albion was charged with affray and possessing cocaine and bailed to a face a children's court at a later date.

Batman Park brawl

By Contributed Saturday, 13 February, 2021,19:00

Three people stabbed in Point Cook

By Contributed Sunday, 14 February, 2021,02:00 Police are investigating an incident in Point Cook where three people were stabbed after people gathered at Lennon Boulevard address on Saturday night. About 11:45pm a man and a woman attended the address in a Holden Commodore. The man got out of the vehicle and was involved in an altercation with a number of people at the address. A fight ensued and a man in his 20s was stabbed in his leg and two teenage boys were stabbed in their arms. The man and woman then drove from the scene. Police patrolled the area and found a man,

Police have charged six people after an alleged affray in Melbourne's Batman Park last night. Investigators have been told a group of people were walking through the park when they were approached by a second group about 10pm. A male from the second group grabbed a backpack off one of the other men. When the man attempted to retrieve his backpack he was allegedly assaulted and a brawl broke out between the groups. Two men who were passing by attempted to break up the affray and were also assaulted. Police were called and discovered five injured males, two of which were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers located a group of six males and one female nearby a short time later. One male was taken to hospital under police guard while the others were arrested. An 18-year-old man from Rockbank has been charged with affray and bail offences and remanded to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. A 19-year-old female from Fitzroy has

Murdoch's Sky News attempt "documentary" on Rudd and Turnbull

By Ashley Geelan Saturday, 13 February, 2021,17:30 Rupert Murdoch's Sky News Australia has commissioned a documentary into former Prime

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Ministers Kevin Rudd and Malcolm Turnbull. Rudd said no thank you.

Former Labor PM Rudd launched a Parliamentary petition into the continuing and ongoing undue influence of Rupert Murdoch's media operations in Australia. This influence began when cross-media ownership laws were repealed in the 1980s.

Rudd's campaign gained over 500,000 signatures and the support of former Liberal Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Will Murdoch be including Google and Facebook in this "documentary?" The Victorian News has reproduced unredacted former PM Rudd's response to Sky News Australia's request to participate in the 'documentary':

Dear Ms Le Tourneau, Re: Sky News interview request It's fair to ask why, of all the topics in the world, Rupert Murdoch's Sky News has decided to commission a "documentary" about me and Malcolm Turnbull the two most prominent signatories of the petition for a Royal Commission to examine Murdoch's abuse of his media monopoly. The answer is obvious: your employer wants to make this a debate about personalities rather than debate the facts of Murdoch's abuses of power. Sky News does not want a frank and open debate about the consequences of letting a single American billionaire command such expansive control over the flow of information.

This "documentary" is intended to smear reputations and advance News Corporation's lot in a debate that it can't on the facts. The Murdoch media will do anything to avoid the scrutiny of a Royal Commission because it knows it has too much to hide. I have no confidence in Chris Kenny, a conservative hatchet man posing as a journalist, whose record

demonstrates no interest in giving his political opponents a fair shake. And I have no confidence in Sky News, which has embarked on a ruthless campaign to sow disinformation into Australian public debate, push our politics to the extreme right and halt any meaningful action on climate change. If Murdoch is a cancer on our democracy, then Sky News is its most aggressive tumour. I therefore decline to be involved in your program. I am open to the possibility that you do genuinely mean to produce a quality documentary and, either through blind optimism or deep ignorance, believe this may be possible while working for Sky News. If you somehow succeed in making a fair and accurate program, I may reconsider my reluctance to work with you in the future. Until then, let's just see how your "documentary" turns out. Yours sincerely, Kevin Rudd.

Sexual Crime Squad detectives have charged a man following the sexual assault of a teenage girl last week. A 27-year-old Elsternwick man was arrested near his home address yesterday afternoon and subsequently interviewed by police.

He has been charged with a range of offences including attempted rape, sexual assault, assault with intent to commit a sexual offence, and false imprisonment. The man was remanded in custody overnight and will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today. The charges follow an alleged incident on Sunday, 7 February on Ewing Street, Brunswick after the girl was picked up by what she believed to be a rideshare vehicle.

18yo Lalor speedster clocked at 97km/h in 60km/h zone

By Contributed Saturday, 13 February, 2021,07:00

27yo Elsternwick man charged following Brunswick sexual assault

By Contributed Saturday, 13 February, 2021,11:00

An 18-year-old Meadow Heights man, who has had his licence for less than three weeks, will be back on public transport after allegedly speeding in Lalor last night. Officers detected a Ford Falcon sedan travelling at 97 km/h in a 60 km/h section of Dalton Road. They intercepted the car and spoke to the probationary driver. He received an infringement notice for excessive speed which carries a $620 penalty and had his licence suspended for six

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months.

Drugs and a gun located during vehicle search in Skye

By Contributed Saturday, 13 February, 2021,01:30

Police investigate Traralgon collision

By Contributed Saturday, 13 February, 2021,05:00 Detectives from the Major Collison Investigation Unit are currently at the scene of a serious crash which occurred in Traralgon last night. Investigators have been told a man was crossing Bank Street about 9:10pm when he was struck by a Toyota Kluger. The driver of the Kluger stopped at the scene and emergency services were called. The yet to be identified pedestrian, believed to be a man in his 30s, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Kluger has been spoken to by police.

Investigators wish to speak to anyone who witnessed the crash or who may be able to identify the male pedestrian.

Frankston Criminal Investigation Unit detectives have arrested three men after drugs and a loaded rifle where allegedly located inside a vehicle intercepted in Skye on Friday morning. Investigators intercepted the Kia Sportage at a service station along the Westernport Highway about 1:50am after noticing three men at the petrol bowser. The vehicle, which police were told was a hire car, was searched with detectives allegedly locating a quantity of drugs, steroids and a loaded sawn-off rifle.

Detectives later executed a subsequent search warrant at a Mount Eliza address where they allegedly located ammunition, steroids and what is believed to be methylamphetamine. The garage on the property had also been turned into an OMCG clubhouse. A 45-yearold Mount Eliza man, who is a Finks Outlaw Motorcycle Gang member, was charged with traffick and drug possession charges as well as a prohibited person possess a firearm, possess an unregistered handgun, possess cartridge ammunition without a licence, commit indictable offence whilst on bail and contravene bail conditions. He was remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 19 February 2021. A 21-yearold Cranbourne East man was charged with traffick methylamphetamine, possess amphetamine and possess an unregistered handgun. He was bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 26 November 2021. A 35-year-old Mornington man was released pending further enquires.

Search for missing 80yo Bayswater man Roland

By Contributed Friday, 12 February, 2021,20:30 Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing Bayswater man Roland. The 80-yearold was last seen leaving his Bayswater home at 9:42am today.

Police hold concerns for Roland’s welfare as he has dementia. Roland is described as having a skinny build, bald head and is quite frail. He was last seen wearing a dark brown tshirt, grey and brown jacket, dark tracksuit pants and tan shoes. It is believed Roland could be in the Mount Waverley and Box Hill areas.

Police have released an image of

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Roland in the hope someone can provide information on his current whereabouts. Anyone who sights Roland is urged to contact Boronia Police Station on (03) 9760 6600.

Two arrested, guns seized in Melbourne’s north west

By Contributed Friday, 12 February, 2021,19:00

Bundoora teen Xaiver missing

By Contributed Friday, 12 February, 2021,19:30

Search for missing Berwick teen Georgia

By Contributed Friday, 12 February, 2021,20:00 Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 15-year-old Berwick girl Georgia.

Georgia was last seen leaving her Berwick address at about 7:45am on Sunday 7 February. Police have concerns for her welfare due to her age and the length of time she has been missing. Georgia is described as being about 170cm tall with black shoulder-length hair and a slim build.

She was last seen wearing a black mini skirt with fishnet stockings, a black and yellow top, a grey jacket and black shoes with white shoelaces. Georgia is known to frequent the Frankston and Glen Waverley areas. Anyone who sights Georgia is urged to contact Narre Warren Police Station on (03) 9705 3111.

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 15-year-old Bundoora teenager Xaiver. He was last seen at his Bundoora address at about 2:50pm yesterday. Investigators believe he may have travelled to the Shepparton area. Police hold concerns for Xaiver due to his young age and his disappearance is out of character.

Xaiver is described as approximately 165cm tall, with light brown hair with blond tips and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with a white logo on the front and track pants. Anyone who sights Xaiver or with information is urged to contact Mill Park Police Station on (03) 9407 3333.

Two people have been arrested and police have seized firearms and drugs following a three-month investigation into the trafficking of firearms across Melbourne’s northwestern suburbs. Detectives from the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad executed several warrants this week as part of Operation Recharger.

Suburbs included Deanside, Taylors Hill, Altona North, Yarraville and Taylors Lakes. Two firearms were seized, as well as a range of drugs including what is believed to be methylamphetamine and cannabis. A 37-year-old Deanside man was arrested on Monday 8 February and charged with a range of offences, including: • Manufacture a firearm; • Possess equipment for the manufacture of a firearm; • Prohibited person possess a firearm; • Unlicensed person possess a firearm; • Six counts of manufacture handgun; • Possess/acquire two or more firearms; and • Possess drug of dependence He was remanded in custody to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 18 May. A 54-year-old Altona North man was arrested on Wednesday 10 February and charged with being a prohibited person possessing a handgun and cultivating cannabis. He was bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 24 April. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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Witness appeal for fatal truck collision at Serviceton

Flaggy Creek search warrant uncovers explosives

By Contributed Friday, 12 February, 2021,16:00 East Gippsland Crime Investigation Unit detectives uncovered a large quantity of materials allegedly used to manufacture explosives during a search warrant in Flaggy Creek this week. Detectives attended the Flaggy Creek Road address on Wednesday after receiving information that an occupant at the address was purchasing the materials.

Investigators executed a search warrant at the address where they located a large quantity of chemical substances and other materials related to the manufacture of explosive substances. The Arson and Explosives Squad and Victoria Police Forensic Services Centre Arson Chemist attended the scene with East Gippsland CIU members yesterday where a full search of the property was conducted. A 53-yearold Flaggy Creek man was arrested and is currently assisting police with their enquiries. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Third person charged following death of Kobie Parfitt

By Contributed Friday, 12 February, 2021,15:30 Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad have today charged a third person following the death of Ballarat woman Kobie Parfitt. A 35-year-old man, who is currently in prison, was charged with one count of murder. He will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court at a later date. Two other people have also been charged with murder in relation to Kobie’s death. A 32-yearold woman, who is at a correctional facility, was charged last month and a 31-year-old Wendouree man was charged in December. Police located human remains in a mine shaft in Snake Valley on 22 December while they were searching the area as part of the investigation into Kobie’s disappearance. Kobie, 43, had last been seen alive at a property on Hickman Street on 28 April. The investigation remains ongoing. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

By Contributed Friday, 12 February, 2021,10:30 Detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit and Heavy Vehicle Criminal Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Serviceton yesterday. Investigators have been told a B Double truck crashed into the rear of a stationary B Double truck about 2:20am. The truck which had been stationary then collided with a B double truck in front of it. All three trucks then caught fire. The driver of the first truck, 46-year-old Steven Lawrie of Parafield Gardens, South Australia, died at the scene. The driver of the second truck, a 27-yearold man from Langford, Western Australia and his passenger, a 63-year-old man from Carey Park, Western Australia, was taken to hospital and have since been released. The driver of the third truck, a 50-year-old man from Melton, Victoria, was uninjured. Road diversions are expected to be in place across the weekend. Vehicles travelling towards Serviceton from Melbourne should divert down the Wimmera Highway from Horsham.

The exact cause of the collision is under investigation. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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operation of an aircraft.

matching grey jacket and a beige basketball jersey at the time. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Moir's View ...

By Alan Moir Friday, 12 February, 2021,08:00

Avondale Heights firearm incident

By Contributed Friday, 12 February, 2021,02:30

Lewd behaviour on St Kilda tram Malvern man arrested after pointing laser at Air Wing

By Contributed Friday, 12 February, 2021,06:00 Police have arrested a 52-yearold Malvern man after a laser was allegedly pointed at the police helicopter overnight. Members of the Air Wing directed ground crews to an address in Royston Street, Malvern about 9:00pm after their aircraft was targeted. Units attended the address and the man was arrested and taken to a local police station for interrogation. He is expected to be summonsed for endangering the safe

By Contributed Friday, 12 February, 2021,03:00 Transit Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance to help them identify a man who exposed himself while travelling on a tram in St Kilda last month. The unknown man was on board a route 12 tram on 14 January about 6:40pm when he repositioned himself to face a victim who had just boarded the tram. The man then proceeded to expose himself while looking at the victim. Investigators have released a facial composite image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries. He is perceived to be aged between 35-40 years old, has a medium build, with a patchy beard, short dark curly hair and a dishevelled appearance.

He was wearing grey track pants, a

Fawkner Embona Taskforce detectives are appealing for public assistance after a firearms incident in Avondale Heights on 30 January.

Police believe a male driving a white Holden Cruze sedan was following a group of youths and nearly hit one of them about 4:30pm. The male driver then got out of the car and fired at least one shot from a firearm which ricocheted off a fence and went into bushland. The group of youths and the driver then fled the scene. A man was arrested on 10 February and has been released pending further enquiries. Investigators are appealing for anyone in the group of youths or anyone else who may have witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or recognises the vehicle involved to come forward. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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Friday, 12 February, 2021,02:00

Springvale fatality

By Contributed Friday, 12 February, 2021,02:30 Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision which occurred in Springvale on Thursday night. Emergency services were called to the Princes Highway near Police Road at about 9:50pm after reports that a car and cyclist had collided. The cyclist, believed to be a man in his 40s, was located at the scene with critical injuries. Crews worked on the man but were unable to save him. The driver of the car and a child passenger were taken to hospital with minor injuries. The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Mill Park Divisional Response Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance to help identify two men after a cannabis crop was located in the Kinglake National Park on Wednesday. A joint investigation between Victoria Police and Parks Victoria identified about 40 plants, with an estimated street value of $50,000, being grown close to the Watsons Creek Track in Christmas Hills.Numerousharvestedallotments have been discovered in the area in recent times which has caused extensive damage to native vegetation. Due to the increase in cannabis crops located in Kinglake National Park, police has been conducting patrols in the area in an effort to catch those involved. The first man is perceived to be Caucasian, about 170cm tall, with an athletic build, brown hair and stubble.

The second man is perceived to be Caucasian, about 185cm tall, with a skinny build, light brown hair, cleanshaven and scars on his face.

Man charged after necklace theft in Brunswick Kinglake cannabis crop

By Contributed

By Contributed Thursday, 11 February, 2021,21:00 Police have charged a 50-yearold Brunswick man after he allegedly stole a necklace straight off a woman’s neck last month. It will be

alleged the 50-year-old Brunswick man approached an older woman in a supermarket inside Sydney Road shopping centre and snatched the necklace about 10:30 am on Saturday 30 January. The 84-year-old victim was not injured in the incident.

Investigators arrested the man yesterday. He has been charged with theft as well as a number of offences related to separate incidents including robbery, obtain property by deception,attemptedrobbery,assault with intent to rob, trespass and unlawful assault. He was remanded to face Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 1 March.

Police search for Kangaroo Flat man Anthony

By Contributed Thursday, 11 February, 2021,21:00 Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 40-year-old Kangaroo Flat man Anthony. Anthony was last seen at North Melbourne Railway Station at about 5:30pm on Tuesday 9 February. Police and family are concerned for his welfare as he suffers from a number of medical

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conditions. Anyone who sights Anthony or with information is urged to contact Melbourne North Police Station on (03) 8379 0800.

Firearms seized as part of Pakenham burglary investigation Joon Seong Tan charged with murder of Ju 'Kelly' Zhang

By Contributed Thursday, 11 February, 2021,20:30 Police from the Missing Persons Squad have tonight charged a man as part of their investigation into the disappearance of Epping woman Ju ‘Kelly’ Zhang. Thirty-five-year-old Doncaster man Joon Seong Tan has been charged with one count of murder and will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning. Mr Tan was arrested by police at Melbourne Airport at about 6:15pm last night. Today detectives from the Missing Persons Squad along with police from the Search and Rescue Squad searched Darebin Creek Reserve in Ivanhoe West as part of the investigation. Ju was last seen at her home on Winchester Avenue at about 5:30pm on Monday, 1 February. At the time the 33-yearold went missing, she was believed to be wearing a pink nightgown and possibly pink slippers.

The investigation continues.

By Contributed Thursday, 11 February, 2021,15:30 Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Unit and Cardinia Crime Investigation Unit have seized nine firearms and arrested two people this morning as part of an investigation into a burglary in Pakenham last month. Warrants were executed at two properties in Cranbourne South and Cranbourne East around 7am. A 42-year-old Cranbourne South man and a 38-year-old Cranbourne East man were arrested at the properties and interviewed by police. Detectives located eight firearms at the Cranbourne East address and one at Cranbourne South. Seven of those weapons are believed to have been stolen during a burglary at a residential property in Pakenham in the early hours of 25 January. The guns were registered to a resident of that address. Also seized during today’s warrants were firearms parts, ammunition, drugs, stolen property and a number of other prohibited weapons. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing.

Shepparton contractors build Victorian fishing future

By Contributed Thursday, 11 February, 2021,10:00 A local Shepparton company, APEX Earthworks, has been awarded the contract to start construction of a new $7 million native fish hatchery at Arcadia, on the banks of the Goulburn River. Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne said the earthworks contract will involve the construction of 32 ponds and employ up to 20 people on and off-site.

“Whether it’s delivering better access to Crown land river frontage, record fish stocking or the removal of commercial net fishing in Port Phillip and Gippsland lakes – we’re supporting more people than ever before, boosting local economies throughout Victoria,” Minister Horne said. The new hatchery is a key part of the Government’s $35 million investment into getting more people fishing, more often in more places, and will boost the supply of popular freshwater species for stocking. The Government’s investment will support 20 jobs. The 32 ponds include 20 plankton ponds to grow newly hatched native fish larvae that feed on microscopic creatures called zooplankton. After about 10 weeks, the fish reach one gram and are ready for stocking into public waters. The remaining 12 ponds will hold large Murray cod and golden perch breeding fish. Most of the ponds measure 30 x 60 metres each. This is

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the first major construction on site after a bore was sunk to source groundwater for the ponds in November. Once complete, the new hatchery will produce around 1.6 million native fish annually including Murray cod and golden perch initially, and potentially freshwater catfish and silver perch in the future. This year, the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) will stock a record eight million fish, including almost six million Murray cod and golden perch into rivers including the Goulburn, Broken, Loddon, Campaspe and Ovens, and lakes Eildon, Rocklands, Cairn Curran, Eppalock, Nillahcootie and Taylors, which are all booming native fisheries. The ponds are being constructed on the 170-hectare property, now owned by the VFA and chosen for its warm climate, elevation, high-quality ground and surface water and clay soils, perfect for pond building. The property also boasts two houses and 130 hectares of land ideal for fish farming. Further to the construction of the ponds, the VFA plans to build several low-profile buildings at the property to be used to hatch and rear fish, hold broodstock and store equipment, cool rooms and freezers.

Pond construction will be complete by May and the hatchery operational by November 2021. The VFA has an Indigenous employment target for Arcadia of 50 per cent and has also funded the Burnanga Indigenous Fishing Club to build a communityevents trailer to promote fishing and help connect Indigenous youth to country. Burnanga means Murray cod in Yorta Yorta and the club is one of the first Indigenous recreational fishing clubs in Australia, based in Shepparton.

victim sustained life-threatening injuries and remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Moir's View ...

By Alan Moir Thursday, 11 February, 2021,08:00

Man seriously injured during Heidelberg aggravated home invasion

By Contributed Thursday, 11 February, 2021,04:00

Man stabbed during Williamstown aggravated burglary

By Contributed Thursday, 11 February, 2021,04:00 HobsonsBayCrimeInvestigation Unit detectives have arrested a woman following an aggravated burglary in Williamstown last week.

The 47-year-old woman was taken into custody at a Rockbank address about 11:45am today. She has been charged with aggravated burglary, intentionally cause serious injury and other assault-related offences. The Altona Meadows woman will appear before a court this evening. The charges relate to an incident where a 53-year-old man was allegedly stabbed during an aggravated burglary at his home on The Strand about 1:30am last Thursday. The

Northern Division Serious Crime Taskforce detectives are hoping to identify four men following an aggravated home invasion in Heidelberg last week. It’s believed the offenders attended a Powlett Street apartment complex in a white Subaru Liberty wagon about 1am on Tuesday, 2 February. The group, believed to be armed with a firearm and other weapons, smashed through the front door of the complex and approached an apartment inside before kicking open its front door.

Two occupants, who were sleeping at the time, were approached by the offenders who pulled the male victim from his bed. The 38-year-old man was assaulted with a steering wheel lock while a 36-year-old woman was verbally threatened with a weapon.

The offenders stole mobile phones, a laptop, medication and wallets before fleeing and taking off in the Subaru.

Emergency services responded and transported the male victim to hospital with serious injuries. The

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female victim was not physically injured during the incident. Police are investigating whether the burglary was targeted, however, it remains ongoing. They alleged offenders all spoke with New Zealand accents, according to police. The first man is perceived to be Pacific Islander in appearance, about 180cm tall, solid build, and was wearing a green ‘Portland’ hoodie, black pants and grey runners. The second man is perceived to be Pacific Islander in appearance, about 180cm tall, solid build, and was wearing a blue zip-up hoodie, black shorts and black shoes.

The third man is perceived to be Pacific Islander in appearance, about 185cm tall, solid build, and was wearing an orange and blue hi-vis jumper with ‘Team Taylor’ on the left sleeve, white gloves, grey pants, red shoes and a yellow face mask. The fourth man is approximately 175cm tall, solid build and was wearing a black puffer jacket, black pants, white shoes and a black face mask. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Laverton this afternoon. Emergency services were called to the Princes Freeway about 1km east of the Newlands Road exit to reports a motorcycle had crashed about 3:20pm. The rider has been taken to hospital 028with non-life-threatening injuries. The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined but police would like to speak with the driver of a black hatchback, believed to have been in the area at the time of the incident. It is understood the hatchback was missing its left-hand side mirror.

Police strongly encourage the driver to come forward and assist investigators. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Man dies in police divisional van

By Contributed Wednesday, 10 February, 2021,16:00

Appeal for driver of car following Laverton motorcycle crash

By Contributed Wednesday, 10 February, 2021,18:00 Westgate Highway Patrol police are appealing for a driver to come forward after a motorcycle crash in

A man in police custody has died after he was found unresponsive in the rear of a divisional van on Friday afternoon. The 30-year-old Keilor Downs man came to police attention after threatening self-harm at a hospital in Fitzroy about 12pm on Friday 5 February. After being released from hospital the man was taken into custody in relation to a number of outstanding whereabouts.

He was later found unresponsive in the rear of a divisional van while the van was at the Victoria Police Centre on Spencer Street. The man was

subsequently conveyed to hospital where he passed away on Monday, 8 February. Detectives from the Homicide Squad are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and the man’s death.

Officers from Professional Standard Command, as standard practice, will have oversight of the investigation as the incident occurred while the man was in police custody. Despite several requests, Victoria Police would not confirm the deceased heritage, such as was he a First Nations person, an immigrant or a POC?

Reefs for healthier fisheries in Corio Bay

By Contributed Wednesday, 10 February, 2021,10:00 Two major fishing reef projects near Geelong are complete, creating more homes for fish and enabling recreational fishers to reap the rewards from land and sea. Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne said the reefs will get more people fishing as of part the Victorian Government’s$35millioninvestment, including $2.5 million for extra reefs in Port Phillip. “These new reefs will improve fishing opportunities for thousands of Victorians on the doorstep of the state’s secondbiggest city and are a welcome addition following the end of commercial net fishing in Corio Bay

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in 2018,” Minister Horne said. The first project has delivered three reefs at Outer Harbour, St Helens and Kirk Point, each named with help from the community. The trio of reefs were constructed with 2,000 tonnes of basalt as a base, sourced from the nearby Cherry Creek juvenile justice facility with help from VRFish and topped with 100 tonnes of limestone.

This combination provided the perfect substrate upon which to seed 400,000 native flat oysters and 10 tonnes of blue mussels. Oysters were sourced from the Victorian Shellfish Hatchery at Queenscliff and the mussels came from a local grower, Advanced Mussel Supply. Oysters and mussels will improve water quality, create diversity in sea floor fish habitats and boost productivity for fish and invertebrates. The second project was led by The Nature Conservancy with an investment from Target One Million and restored shellfish reefs at 9ft Bank in the Geelong Arm by deploying 100 cubic metres of recycled shells from restaurants and the seafood industry.

It also included new reefs at Wilson Spit in Geelong Arm, Margaret’s Reef near St Kilda and in Dromana Bay. These 3.5 hectares of new reefs were seeded with approximately 3 million oysters and 6 tonnes of blue mussels, which will attract a diversity of fish and aquatic life. The Outer Harbour reef will be called Moolap, that being the Indigenous name of Point Henry.

Moolap recognises the cultural significance of the sea country to Wadawurrung people and means a place of men fishing with spears. The reef at St Helens is Merv’s Reef, named after the late Merv McGuire, former head of Future Fish and VRFish. It is ideal for land-based fishers because it’s 62 metres from the break wall. At Kirk Point the reef will be called Wilson Reef, honouring Geelong fishing writer and identity Geoff Wilson. The project was delivered by the Victorian Fishing Authority. Reef locations were selected following consultation with key recreational fishing stakeholders and Geelong fishing club members.

The new reefs are accessible, known

for good fishing and away from areas important for other marine uses, such as shipping channels and spoil grounds.

Appeal for witnesses after vehicle evades police in Fawkner

By Contributed Wednesday, 10 February, 2021,08:30

Solo rider critical after Deer Park collision

By Contributed Wednesday, 10 February, 2021,08:30 A motorcyclist is fighting for life after colliding with a car in Deer Park.

Officers believe the rider was travelling east along Ballarat Road when he collided with a vehicle about 6:45am. The rider sustained lifethreatening injuries and was transported from the scene by paramedics to hospital. The sole occupant of the vehicle, a female driver, was uninjured. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are en route to the scene. All lanes of Ballarat Road are closed between Westwood Drive and Station Road and motorists are urged to avoid the area. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Vehicle Crime Squad detectives are appealing for public assistance after a vehicle evaded police before colliding with a car in Fawkner earlier this week. Police attempted to intercept the white Audi A5 Coupe, bearing stolen registration plates ZRU116, about 6:55pm on 8 February in Clara Street when it collided with a vehicle travelling in the area at the time. The Audi then collided with a street sign and fence causing extensive damage to the front of the vehicle. Police lost sight of the vehicle a short time later along Sydney Road in Fawkner. The front bumper of the Audi, which has a distinctive grey bonnet, was completely dislodged during the incident along with damage to one or both rear tail lights. The first male was wearing a red shirt, black cap and black sunglasses. The second male had a shaved head and was wearing black and gold sunglasses with an earring in his left ear. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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Moir's View ...

By Alan Moir Wednesday, 10 February, 2021,08:00

Motorcyclist dies following Campbellfield collision

By Contributed Wednesday, 10 February, 2021,08:15 Police are investigating a fatal collision involving a motorcyclist in Campbellfield this morning. It’s understood the motorcyclist collided with a white Toyota Camry on Sydney Road, near the intersection of Ainslie Road, about 6:55am. Emergency services responded and worked on the motorcyclist, a yet to formally identified man, but he sadly died at the scene. The male driver of the Toyota was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Drivers are advised all northbound lanes are closed at Ainslie Road while police investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Police are investigating whether speed was a factor in the collision. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

CCTV released in Westmeadows armed robbery investigation

Thomas said. The images and CCTV vision released today reveals for the first time an image of a man who was seen fleeing the venue. Police have also released footage showing the males inside the venue, while the second piece of footage shows a dark coloured SUV believed to have been used by the offenders to leave the scene. Detectives have obtained images of a vehicle believed to be similar to that shown in the footage, and are also releasing those images today. The vision comes as detectives make a fresh appeal for anyone with information to come forward. Armed Crime Squad detectives arrested a 58-year-old Greenvale man in Bonds Lane on 2 April, 2020 in relation to the incident.

He was charged with armed robbery, false imprisonment and aggravated burglary and remanded in custody to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. Detectives are hoping today’s appeal will assist in helping them locate the second offender. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

By Contributed Wednesday, 10 February, 2021,04:00 Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad have today released new images and CCTV footage in relation to an armed robbery where a woman was confronted by two men with firearms in Westmeadows last year.

Officers were called to the Westmeadows Tavern on 2 March 2020 just after 5am, following reports two people armed with firearms had entered the business. Shortly after police arrived, the woman ran from the venue stating she had been held inside. She was not physically harmed during the incident. “These alleged offences are incredibly serious and terrifying for the victim who was just going about her work.

This will have long lasting effects on both her and the wider community.

“Any use of firearms in this way is absolutely concerning for police," Armed Crime Squad Inspector Dean

Pakenham South hit and run

By Contributed Tuesday, 9 February, 2021,22:30 MajorCollisionInvestigationUnit detectives are investigating a hit and

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run collision that has left a man in a critical condition. Police located a scooter rider unresponsive at the intersection of Healesville-Koo Wee Rup and Ballarto roads in Pakenham South just before 7pm. It is believed the scooter was travelling south on Koo Wee Rup Road when a vehicle (B) overtook the scooter and another car (A). At the same time car B was overtaking, car A attempted to overtake the scooter but swerved back in and struck the back of the scooter causing it to crash. Both cars, which police do not have descriptions for at this stage, continued on after the collision and police are keen to speak to occupants of both vehicles. The yet to be identified male scooter rider was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000orwww.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

By Contributed Tuesday, 9 February, 2021,17:00 Sexual Crime Squad detectives have released a digitally generated image of a man as they investigate a sexual assault that occurred in Port Melbourne on New Year’s Day. Investigators have been told a woman was leaving a New Year’s Eve party when she was sexually assaulted by an unknown man just after 1am. The woman was walking easterly along Westgate Park, away from the Lorimer Street and Sardine Street intersection, at the time. The man then fled the area and was last seen running into Westgate Park.

Today, detectives are releasing a digitally generated image of a man they believe could assist with their enquiries. He was perceived to be in his mid-20s to mid-30s, with shoulderlength hair, a slim build and was wearing a black t-shirt and black jeans. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

car about 8:15am on 8 February.

Police located the sleeping man in an outstanding stolen Holden sedan and attempted to make an arrest. The man woke up and allegedly drove off at a fast rate of speed. A short time later the car was spotted by a separate police unit allegedly doing burnouts at the intersection of Albert and Bell streets in Preston before heading north. The silver Holden was located parked on Strathmerton Street, Reservoir where the driver got out of the car and allegedly assaulted a member of the public. He attempted to flee on foot and was arrested by police a short distance from the scene. The 29-year-old Reservoir man has since been charged with: • aggravated reckless exposure of police officer to risk by driving; • reckless exposure of police officer to risk by driving; • theft of a motor vehicle; • theft; • drive under the influence – drugs; • reckless conduct endangering life; • reckless conduct endangering serious injury; • fail to stop on police request; • drive whilst disqualified; • drive vehicle causing loss of traction; • fail to have proper control – improper use of a vehicle; • resist police officer; • Possess methylamphetamine; and • use methylamphetamine.

Erratic driver arrested in Reservoir

By Contributed Tuesday, 9 February, 2021,15:30

Police investigate Port Melbourne sexual assault

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was arrested following a series of alleged incidents in Melbourne’s north yesterday morning. Officers were called the intersection of Burgundy Street and Stradbroke Avenue, Heidelberg following reports of a man asleep in a

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which captures a black 2008 Mazda CX9 station wagon, with registration WKE 850, or a white Toyota Land Cruiser. Both vehicles are believed to have travelled through these areas sometime between 4pm on 1 February and 8am on 2 February. Ju’s disappearance is considered to be extremely out of character and police continue to hold strong concerns for her welfare. A 35-year-old Doncaster man was arrested by police on Sunday afternoon however he has since been released without charge.

Anyone with CCTV footage which captures the Mazda CX9 or Toyota Land Cruiser, or with information about Ju’s disappearance, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential online report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Police seek CCTV footage following Ju Zhang disappearance

Fatal collision in Pakenham

By Contributed Tuesday, 9 February, 2021,14:00 Missing Person Squad detectives are appealing for CCTV footage following the disappearance of Epping mother Ju Zhang. Ju, who is also known as Kelly, was last seen at her home on Winchester Avenue about 5:30pm on Monday, 1 February. At the time the 33-year-old went missing she was believed to be wearing a pink pyjama top and shorts, no shoes, and had no personal belongings with her apart from her mobile phone. Detectives are currently in the Epping and Doncaster areas speaking to residents in a bid to gather further information in relation to Ju’s disappearance. Along with this, investigators are appealing for anyone who lives in those areas to check their CCTV footage from the afternoon Ju went missing. In particular, police are seeking footage

children’s court today. A 17-year-old Tullamarine teen has been charged with affray and weapon offences. He was bailed to appear before a children’s court at a later date. A 15-year-old Heidelberg Heights teen was released pending further enquiries. The charges follow a report of an altercation between a group of people on Elizabeth Street about 9:20pm. A 40-year-old Eltham man was stabbed several times and transported to hospital with serious injuries. The trio was arrested shortly after near William Street.

By Contributed Tuesday, 9 February, 2021,09:30

Teens charged following Melbourne stabbing

By Contributed Tuesday, 9 February, 2021,10:30 Two teenage males have been charged following an alleged stabbing in Melbourne’s CBD last night. A 15-year-old Melton South teen has been charged with intentionally cause serious injury and other assault-related offences, affray, commit indictable offence whilst on bail, weapon offences and possess cannabis. He will appear before a

Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle collision in Pakenham this morning. It’s understood a white Toyota van collided head-on with a silver Mitsubishi utility on Pakenham Road about 6:30am. Emergency services responded and worked on the driver of the Toyota, a yet to be formally identified man, but he sadly died at the scene. The driver of the Mitsubishi, a 45-year-old Noble Park man, was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Cardinia Highway Patrol officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision and it remains ongoing.

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Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000orwww.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Moir's View ...

By Alan Moir Tuesday, 9 February, 2021,08:00

Youths arrested following Melbourne CBD stabbing

By Contributed Monday, 8 February, 2021,22:30 Police tonight arrested three youths following an alleged stabbing in Melbourne in Elizabeth St. Investigators have been told there was an altercation between a group of people on Elizabeth Street about 9:20pm. A man, believed to be in his 40s, was stabbed several times. He suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital. Police quickly attended the scene and arrested two 15-year-old boys and a 17-year-old boy near William Street. They are currently assisting police with their enquires.

belongings with her at the time except for her mobile phone. She was reported missing to police the following evening. Her disappearance is considered to be extremely out of character and police continue to have strong concerns for her welfare.

Following a public appeal over the weekend, 35-year-old Doncaster man Joon Soong Tan, Ju's boyfriend, was arrested by police yesterday afternoon. He was interviewed by Missing Persons Squad detectives but released this evening without charge pending further enquiries.

Detectives are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen Ju or has further information about her current whereabouts. Anyone who sight’s Ju should contact Triple Zero (000) immediately. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Investigation continues into disappearance of Ju Zhang

By Contributed Monday, 8 February, 2021,19:00 Missing Person Squad detectives are continuing to appeal for public assistance following the disappearance of Epping woman Ju Zhang. Ju, who is also known as Kelly, was last seen at her home on Winchester Avenue about 5:30pm on Monday, 1 February. At the time the 33-year-old mother was wearing a pink pyjama top and shorts, and no shoes. Ju did not have any personal

Warrant issued for Kevin Corrigan

By Contributed Monday, 8 February, 2021,18:00 Police are appealing for public assistance to arrest and detain Collingwood man Kevin Corrigan. The

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30-year-old is wanted on a warrant for making threats to inflict serious injury and criminal damage. Corrigan is 180cm tall with a solid build, bleached short curly hair and is unshaven. He is known to frequent the Collingwood and Lakes Entrance areas. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Marysville man Layton missing

By Contributed Monday, 8 February, 2021,13:00

Fatal collision in Rockbank

By Contributed Monday, 8 February, 2021,14:00

Man masturbates at Ararat McDonald's

By Contributed Monday, 8 February, 2021,14:30 Police are seeking public assistance to help identify a man who masturbated while at an Ararat McDonald's last month. An unknown man entered the High Street McDonald's restaurant between 1pm and 1:30pm on Sunday 17 January.

While waiting in line to order, the man inappropriately touched himself while looking at a female staff member.

Staff refused to take his money until he washed his hands. The man was seen to go to the bathroom, returned to the counter to order and left with his food. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000orwww.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash which occurred in Rockbank this morning. Emergency services were called to the Western Freeway at Leaks Road to reports a motorcycle had crashed into a barrier about 11:50am. The motorcyclist, who is yet to be formally identified, was treated by first responders but sadly died at the scene. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined and police are speaking with a number of motorists who were in the vicinity of the scene at the time of the crash.

Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 32-year-old Canadian man Layton.

Layton is currently staying in Marysville and moved to Australia from Canada one month ago. He planned to do a bike ride from Marysville to Omeo and was last heard from on a social media app on 2 February about 10am. Layton is 198cm tall with long blond/brown hair tied up in a bun. He was wearing a tan coloured long sleeve shirt and would be carrying a black and orange backpack. Layton’s bike is white and is kitted out with survival gear, a Canadian flag on the front and the words ‘CALLE JERA’ is written on the frame. Anyone who sights Layton is urged to contact Benalla Police Station on (03) 5760 0200.

Real estate office fire in Point Cook

By Contributed Monday, 8 February, 2021,12:30 Detectives from Wyndham Crime Investigation Unit are investigating following a suspicious fire at a real estate office in Point Cook on Thursday, 21 January. Police have been told a witness observed a

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smashed glass door and flames inside the office at approximately 1:20am on Wallace Avenue. The witness called Triple Zero (000) and emergency services responded and extinguished the fire. An arson chemist attended the scene to assist with the investigation and determined the fire was deliberately lit.

Anglers hooked as Golden Tag hits major milestone

By Contributed Monday, 8 February, 2021,10:00 Regional Victoria is experiencing a fishing tourism boom, with the Golden Tag competition racking up a huge $100,000 in prize money paid to winners since being expanded and relaunched. Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne said the competition is having big benefits on the tourism industry, with fishers travelling across the state to chase up to $10,000 for landing a tagged fish. “The Golden Tag competition has been a huge success in getting fishers and their families out to regional Victoria and supporting local businesses while making some great memories,” Minister Horne said. The competition started in March 2020 to

encourage tourism after bushfires in Gippsland and the Victoria’s North East, before being suspended as Victoria dealt with the Coronavirus pandemic and travel restrictions. An expanded, state-wide competition was relaunched at Loch Sport in November 2020 to encourage visitation to more of regional Victoria.

In the months since, tagged fish have been caught all over the state from flathead at Mallacoota, to Murray cod in the Wimmera, to trout near Bright and much more. The lucky fisher to chalk up the $100,000 mark was Gary Arthurson, one of many East Gippsland residents who knows all too well how difficult 2020 was. Gary was fishing at Tamboon Inlet last month when he landed a tagged flathead and collected $2,000 to reach the competition milestone.

“With more than 1000 tagged fish still swimming and the competition running through until the end of 2021, there’s plenty of time to plan your next fishing holiday and dangle a line,” Minister Horne said. All up, in excess of $270,000 has been paid for more than 70 catches since Golden Tag began and there are still approximately 1000 tagged fish swimming in Victorian waters. Some of the species included in the Golden Tag competition are flathead, bream, luderick and whiting in Gippsland, brown and rainbow trout in the North East, Murray cod and golden perch north of the divide and popular marine species such as kingfish and southern bluefin tuna off the South West coast.

Moir's View ...

By Alan Moir Monday, 8 February, 2021,08:00

Caught in Collingwood

By Contributed Monday, 8 February, 2021,06:00 A man has been arrested following a series of alleged burglaries and attempted burglaries in Melbourne’s inner north overnight.

It is alleged the 49-year-old jumped a fence into the back yard of a property on Wellington Street Collingwood and attempted force open a door just before 2:10am. A female occupant confronted the man through the door and he fled over the fence. A short time later it’s alleged he gained entry to a business on Budd Street where he activated an alarm. He then gained entry to another property on Wellington Street by removing glass window louvers. A male occupant confronted the man and he fled before being arrested by police on Alexandra Parade. Police also located an amount of jewellery on the man.

He has been charged with aggravated burglary, attempted aggravated burglary, burglary, handling stolen goods and bail offences and will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this morning.

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Appeal for driver of car following Greensborough collision

Cyclist killed in Great Ocean Road crash

By Contributed Monday, 8 February, 2021,04:30 Greensborough Highway Patrol is appealing for the driver of a car to come forward following a collision on the Greensborough Bypass in January. Police have been told the collision occurred as a silver coloured sedan was travelling towards the M80 Metropolitan Ring Road near the Plenty River Drive bridge on Friday 22 January about 3:10pm.

It’s understood the silver sedan was seen to brake heavily as it cut into stationary traffic waiting to turn onto the M80; this caused two cars directly behind the sedan to brake suddenly to avoid a collision. A dump truck with a trailer was forced to take evasive action to avoid the collision and crashed into a barrier of the bridge. The driver of the silver sedan, who may be oblivious to the traffic incident they caused, drove off from the scene without stopping to exchange details. Anyone with dashcam or who may have details of the silver sedan that was involved is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

By Contributed Sunday, 7 February, 2021,20:30 Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision which occurred in Wongarra this afternoon. Officers have been told a car and bicycle collided on the Great Ocean Road about 3:30pm. The rider of the bike, believed to be a man in his 50s, died at the scene.

Search for Mickleham man Beau

By Contributed Sunday, 7 February, 2021,23:00 Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing Mickleham man Beau. The 31-yearold was last seen in Mickleham about 4pm on Sunday 7 February. Police and family have concerns for his welfare as his disappearance is out of character. He is described as Caucasian, 185 centimetres tall with a solid build and short light brown hair. Investigators believe he may be travelling on an unregistered red dirt bike. Anyone who sights Beau is urged to contact Craigieburn Police Station on (03) 9303 4433.

Police arrest boyfriend in connection with Epping woman’s disappearance

By Contributed Sunday, 7 February, 2021,15:30 Missing Person Squad detectives have arrested and are questioning a 35-year-old Doncaster man as part of the investigation into the disappearance of missing Epping

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woman Ju Zhang. Ju, also known as Kelly, was last seen at her home on Winchester Avenue about 5:30pm on Monday, 1 February. At the time the 33-year-old mother was wearing a pink pyjama top and shorts, and no shoes. Ju did not have any personal belongings with her at the time except for her mobile phone. The Age reported: "Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper, of the missing persons squad, said on Saturday that Ms Zhang’s boyfriend, Joon Seong Tan, 35, of Doncaster, also known as Sam, had been “actively avoiding” police since Thursday. Mr Tan had told police that he last saw Ms Zhang leave home to go on a walk, but Detective Inspector Stamper said this was unlikely as Ms Zhang would not have left her son in the care of someone who was not an immediate family member." Detective Inspector Stamper said the disappearance had triggered “a great deal of concern” and talk on social media channels among the Chinese-Australian community. She was reported missing to police the following evening. Her disappearance is considered to be extremely out of character and police have concerns for her welfare. The 35-year-old man was arrested in Doncaster this afternoon and is currently assisting police with their enquiries. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

following aggravated carjacking in Southbank

By Contributed Saturday, 6 February, 2021,15:30

Missing teen located in Great Otway National Park

By Contributed Sunday, 7 February, 2021,13:00 A teenage boy who became lost in the Great Otway National Park in Wyelangta yesterday evening has been located safe and well. The 14-year-old became separated from his family during a hike on Phillips Track near Triplet Falls. He was spotted by a staff member at holiday cottages at Johanna this morning who reported the sighting to police.

Colac Highway Patrol members conducted a search of the area and located the teen on Red Johanna Road about 11.30am. The Dandenong youth has been reunited with his family.

Duo arrested

Two teenagers have been arrested following an attempted carjacking in Southbank this morning. It is alleged the females, armed with an edged weapon, attempted to carjack a car at the intersection of Hancock Street and Clarke Street just after 3:30am. The driver of the car, a 25-year-old Dandenong man, received minor injuries in the incident. Police arrested the pair of offenders at the scene. A 15-year-old Cranbourne girl was charged with aggravated carjacking, armed robbery and assault-related offences. A 13-yearold Dandenong girl was charged with aggravated carjacking, armed robbery, assault-related offences and commit an indictable offence while on bail. Both were remanded in custody to appear at a Childrens’ Court at a later date.

Helping hand for Macquarie perch in the northeast Victoria

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By Contributed Saturday, 6 February, 2021,10:00 Macquarie perch populations in northeast Victoria are getting a helping hand with the release of 55,000 fingerlings into four waterways Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne announced.

Macquarie perch are a threatened species and stocking is an important way to accelerate their recovery in the wild. The stocking is funded by recreational fishing licence fees and the Victorian Government’s Target One Million plan that has been successful in getting more Victorian’s out on the water to fish. “Reliably breeding Macquarie perch is one of the great challenges in Australian aquaculture, so the team have done well growing 55,000 fingerlings for stocking this season and the work continues for more to come in the future,” Melissa Horne said. The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) is working with project partners to bring back Macquarie perch, which were once abundant in our rivers and valued for food and sport. The stocked fingerlings were shared between the Ovens River below Wangaratta (32,000), Buffalo River (12,000), Goulburn River near Trawool (6,000) and Lake Dartmouth (5,000).

Since 1990, the VFA has released approximately 500,000 Macquarie perch, most of which were grown at their freshwater fish hatchery at Snobs Creek, near Eildon.

Encouragingly, there is evidence these stockings have contributed to re-establishing some populations, particularly in the Ovens River. The VFA team at Snobs Creek and DELWP’s Arthur Rylah Institute have done the hard-yards this breeding season, stepping up efforts to produce Macquarie perch fingerlings by increasing the collection of running-ripe males and females ready to spawn, trialling different methods for egg and larval husbandry, and collaborating with NSW Fisheries.

DNA samples are taken from every adult fish to ensure the genetic diversity of parents is known. Most adults are returned to the wild

following their time at the Snobs Creek hatchery and all are tagged so Fisheries staff can confirm their identity if recaptured in future years.

The VFA is aiming to have a captive breeding program for the species that will not rely on sourcing wild fish every year and is hosting an investment workshop in 2021 to progress state-wide actions in the Macquarie perch recovery plan.

welfare as he has a medical condition that requires regular treatment. Kah is described as 161cm tall with a large build, tanned complexion and glasses. He is known to frequent Casey Central and Dandenong Plaza, and travels on public transport.

Anyone who sights Kah or has information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Narre Warren Police Station on (03) 9705 3111.

Driver three times legal BAC limit in Windsor

By Contributed Saturday, 6 February, 2021,06:30

Search for missing Narre Warren man Kah

By Contributed Saturday, 6 February, 2021,06:30 Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing 51-year-old Narre Warren man Kah. Kah failed to return home after leaving his residence to go for a walk at 1:30pm on 5 February. Police and family have concerns for Kah’s

A man has had his licence suspended after being detected driving over three times the legal blood alcohol limit in Windsor this morning. Prahran police spotted the man parking a 2019 Ford Mustang in a no standing zone outside a bottle shop on Chapel Street just before 3am. The vehicle was parked a significant distance from the curb, and when the driver got out, he appeared unsteady on his feet. Police breath-tested the 30-year-old who returned a result of 0.181 per cent BAC. His licence was immediately suspended; the Flemington man is expected to be charged on summons with drink driving-related offences.

Police did not impound the vehicle after checks revealed it was a hire car.

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Tragic deaths from Pakenham South collision

By Alan Moir Friday, 5 February, 2021,08:00

By Contributed Friday, 5 February, 2021,08:30

Eastern suburbs school burglaries arrest

By Contributed Friday, 5 February, 2021,17:30 ManninghamCrimeInvestigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a series of burglaries at schools in Donvale, Warranwood and Wandin North. Detectives conducted a search of a storage facility in Knox and a Wantirna property, recovering allegedly stolen goods including tools and electronic devices. Allegedly stolen property was also located at second -hand stores in Prahran. The 35-year-old Wantirna man was arrested this afternoon by Maroondah Crime Investigation Unit detectives and has been charged with 10 counts of burglary as well as theft, bail and drug-related offences. He will appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for a remand hearing this evening.

MajorCollisionInvestigationUnit detectives are investigating a multivehicle collision in Pakenham South which has sadly claimed the lives of two people. Investigators believe a white utility collided head-on with a silver SUV on Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road about 8am 4 February. The female driver of the SUV sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition. Tragically, the 34-year-old Koo Wee Rup woman and her unborn child have since died. Her two passengers, both young children, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to hospital as a precaution. The male sole occupant of the utility was also airlifted to hospital and remains in a critical condition. Investigators have been told the white utility collided with several other vehicles prior to the head-on collision, causing minor damage to those vehicles. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Moir's View ...

Driver has lucky escape in Toorak

By Contributed Friday, 5 February, 2021,05:30 A driver has had a lucky escape after he lost control of his vehicle and landed wedged up against a tree on the edge of the Yarra River this morning. It is believed the 21-year-old Balaclava man was travelling along Alexandra Avenue in Toorak about 1:45am when he lost control. His vehicle, a black Volkswagen sedan, travelled through the guard railing along the side of the road and fell about four meters before coming to rest against a tree on the edge of the Yarra River. The driver, and sole occupant of the vehicle, managed to call Triple Zero with emergency services arriving a short time later and working to free the man. He was later transported to hospital for observation. Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

45yo man evades

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police at high speed through St Albans

By Contributed Friday, 5 February, 2021,05:30 Keilor Downs police have charged a man after he allegedly evaded police at high speeds through St Albans yesterday afternoon. The 45-year-old Altona Meadows man has been charged with 25 offences including conduct endangering life, unlicensed driving and failing to stop at police direction. The charges come after police sighted a black Holden Vectra allegedly driving erratically along Furlong Road in St Albans about 5:20pm on 4 February. The vehicle allegedly drove through a red light before continuing at high speeds along Mulhall Drive, Main Road East, Percy Street and St Albans Road.

Police attempts to intercept the vehicle were unsuccessful. Police then tracked the Holden Vectra to Ballarat Road where they managed to block it up against a barrier and the driver was arrested. He is expected to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this morning.

following an alleged stabbing in Rosebud last night. Investigators have been told the victim, a 28-yearold Rye male, was sitting in a vehicle along Rosebud Parade just after 11pm when he was flagged down by two males. The victim exited his car and a verbal altercation took place before he was allegedly stabbed multiple times to the upper body. The victim then ran to a nearby licensed venue along Eastbourne Road, before the two men fled the scene. The victim was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries. Police later located and arrested a 24-year-old Capel Sound man and a 23-year-old Tootgarook man. Both men were interviewed and released pending further enquiries. Investigations are ongoing and detectives urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

store through a rear service door.

Once inside they stole cash before returning to their vehicle and leaving.

One of the offenders is perceived to be Caucasian, 180 centimetres tall with a medium build and short dark hair. The other offender is perceived to be of African appearance, 160 centimetres tall with a slim build and wearing a BLVK cap. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Man charged following Bourke Street incident

By Contributed Thursday, 4 February, 2021,22:30

Narre Warren burglary

By Contributed Friday, 5 February, 2021,00:30

Two men arrested following Rosebud stabbing

By Contributed Friday, 5 February, 2021,05:30 Police have arrested two men

Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for information following a burglary at a Narre Warren fast food outlet.

Investigators have been told two men drove a silver Volvo sedan, bearing false registration plates YLR-443, to the restaurant on Princes Highway about 7am on 15 January. The pair exited their car and broke into the

Detectives from the Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit have charged a man as part of their investigation into an incident in the Melbourne CBD last week. It is alleged a vehicle was driven along the Bourke Street Mall following an attempted intercept just before 5pm on 28 January. A 20-year-old man has been arrested at an address in Ballarat this afternoon. He has been interviewed by detectives and charged with: • Reckless conduct endangering life; • reckless conduct endangering serious injury; • Fail to stop on police request; • Reckless exposure of a police officer to risk by driving; • Contravene a conduct condition of bail; • Commit indictable offence whilst on bail; • Drive in a manner dangerous; • Drive whilst

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disqualified; • Careless driving; • Dangerous driving while being pursued by police; and • Drive vehicle causing loss of traction The Ballarat man has been remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on 5 February.

life and reckless conduct endangering serious injury for an unrelated matter. He will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this evening.

Scoresby burglary

By Contributed Thursday, 4 February, 2021,18:30

65yo man charged following Wedderburn shooting

By Contributed Thursday, 4 February, 2021,20:30 Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad have charged a man following theirinvestigationintoanallegednonfatal shooting in Wedderburn on 30 January. Police were called to a property on the Calder Highway in Wedderburn following reports of a 49-year-old Croydon man with a gunshot injury about 7:30pm. On 31 January, detectives executed a search warrant at an address on the Calder Highway, locating firearms, cannabis and three allegedly stolen vehicles. A 65-year-old Wedderburn man was also arrested in the Wedderburn area and charged with firearms offences, drug offences, and handling stolen goods. Following further enquiries, the Wedderburn man was re-interviewed earlier today and subsequently charged with reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury and intentionally cause injury. The man was also charged with reckless conduct endangering

Mount Richmond double fatality update

By Contributed Thursday, 4 February, 2021,19:30 MajorCollisionInvestigationUnit detectives have charged a man in relation to a fatal collision which occurred at Mount Richmond last year. Police believe a Jeep Cherokee and a Holden Trax collided on the Portland - Nelson Road about 10:25am on 24 December. The driver of the Holden, a 16-year-old girl and the front seat passenger, a 43-yearold woman, both from Mount Richmond, died at the scene. A 15-year-old girl in the rear passenger seat sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital.

The driver of the Jeep, a Tyrendarra man, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital in a serious but stable condition. A 51-year-old man from Tyrendarra was today charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing death, dangerous driving causing serious injury and other traffic offences. He appeared at court today and has been remanded until 18 June 2021.

Detectives from the Knox Crime Investigation Unit are appealing for information following a burglary in Scoresby last month. Investigators believe a man attended a house in Borg Street about 11:25am on 4 January. The man went down the side of the house and accessed a decked area of the property by cutting through a flywire screen. He attempted to jemmy a door but was disturbed and left the property. The offender is perceived to be Caucasian, 30-40 years-old with a medium build and dark hair. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Drugs and hand gun seized in Bulleen raid

By Contributed Thursday, 4 February, 2021,17:00

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ManninghamCrimeInvestigation Unit detectives have seized drugs and a firearm following the execution of a search warrant in Bulleen this morning. Detectives, with the assistance of a police narcotics detection dog, executed the warrant on Nirvana Crescent and located a number of substances alleged to be 1, 4 Butanediol, MDMA, and methylamphetamine. Investigators also located a handgun during the search of the premises. A 32-year-old woman was arrested at the scene.

She has been charged with possessing an unregistered handgun, possessing a drug of dependence, two counts of handle stolen goods, and commit an indictable offence while on bail. The Bulleen woman was remanded in custody to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on Friday 5 February.

firearms were seized by police during the warrants, as well as a range of drugs including what is believed to be cocaine, amphetamine, cannabis and over 80 poppy plants. A 33-year-old Brunswick man was arrested and is expected to be charged with drugrelated offences and dealing with the proceeds of crime. A 63-year-old Tolmie man was arrested and is expected to be charged with drug and firearm-related offences.

Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

false imprisonment, armed robbery and other assault-related charges and were remanded to appear at a Children’s Court today.

Woman charged with murder following fatal stabbing in Ascot Vale

By Contributed Thursday, 4 February, 2021,15:30

Pair arrested over home invasion

By Contributed Thursday, 4 February, 2021,16:00

Police seize drugs, firearms and cash in raid

By Contributed Thursday, 4 February, 2021,16:30 Police have arrested two people and seized drugs, firearms and cash this morning following the execution of several search warrants.

Detectives from the Echo Taskforce executed seven warrants at approximately 6am this morning.

Suburbs included Brunswick, Heidelberg West, Tolmie, Preston, Oakleigh and Melbourne West. Six

Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested and charged two youths following a home invasion in Sunshine. Police allege a property on Stonemark Street was broken into by two offenders about 5am on Wednesday, 3 February. Once inside the pair allegedly assaulted the residents and forced the victims to drive their blue Volkswagen Golf several times to an automatic teller machine on Hampshire Road to withdraw cash. The victims were released just before 7am and the car was found dumped at Dickson and Withers streets, in Sunshine. Police arrested a 16-year-old St Albans boy and a 17-year-old Sunbury boy later that day in St Albans. The pair have been charged with home invasion, aggravated carjacking, kidnapping,

Homicide Squad detectives have today upgraded the charges in relation to a fatal stabbing in Ascot Vale last month. A 27-year-old woman was initially charged with a number of offences in relation to the incident, including seriously cause injury. Investigators have now upgraded this to a charge of one count of murder. She will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 8 February. The charge follows an incident when a 57-year-old Ascot Vale woman was allegedly stabbed at her property on Wingate Avenue on 21 January. She was subsequently conveyed to hospital, however, she passed away on 29 January. It’s believed the parties involved were known to each other.

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Man arrested for series of offending in Melbournes East

By Contributed Thursday, 4 February, 2021,14:00 ManninghamCrimeInvestigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a series of alleged burglaries, thefts and a police vehicle ramming in the eastern suburbs. The 33-year-old received 25 charges including burglary, theft from a motor vehicle, handling stolen goods, obtaining property by deception and aggravated intentional exposure to a police officer. The charges follow a series of alleged offending last December and January in multiple suburbs including Doncaster, Knoxfield, Templestowe, Glen Iris, Mont Albert, Box Hill South, Balwyn, Balwyn North and Caulfield. The man, of no fixed address, was arrested yesterday at a reserve in Templestowe. He was refused bail and remanded in custody to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.

Two dead following head-on collision on Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Rd

Moir's View ...

By Alan Moir Thursday, 4 February, 2021,08:00

By Contributed Thursday, 4 February, 2021,11:30 MajorCollisionInvestigationUnit detectives are investigating following a serious multi-vehicle collision at Pakenham South this morning.

Investigators believe a white utility collided head-on with a silver SUV on Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road about 8am. The female driver of the SUV sustainedlife-threateninginjuriesand was airlifted to hospital. Tragically, the 34-year-old Koo Wee Rup woman and her unborn child have since died.

Her two passengers, both young children, sustained non-lifethreatening injuries and were transported to hospital as a precaution. The male sole occupant of the utility was also airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Investigators have been told the white utility collided with several other vehicles prior to the head-on collision, causing minor damage to those vehicles.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision and remains ongoing. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000orwww.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Williamstown aggravated burglary and stabbing

By Contributed Thursday, 4 February, 2021,07:30 A man has been taken to hospital after suffering multiple stab wounds during an aggravated burglary in Williamstown this morning. It is believed an unknown female gained entry to The Strand address just after 1:30am when she was disturbed by a male occupant.

The man was then stabbed multiple times before the woman fled the scene. The 53-year-old victim was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police closed The Strand between Mariner Street and Stanley Street. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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By Contributed Wednesday, 3 February, 2021,19:30

Clayton cigarette burglary

By Contributed Thursday, 4 February, 2021,06:00

Melbourne CBD robbery

By Contributed Thursday, 4 February, 2021,06:00 Police are investigating after a man forced his way into a vehicle and robbed a man and woman in the Melbourne CBD last year.

Investigators from Melbourne Embona have been told an unknown man approached a man and woman who were sitting in their vehicle on Little Lonsdale Street about 10:20pm on 25 November. The man reached into the vehicle in an attempt to open the door before threatening to shoot the pair if they didn’t drive him to a location on Swanston Street. He sat in the back of the car and continued to threaten the pair before demanding the victim’s phone. The man got out of the car near Franklin Street and was last seen fleeing across Victoria Street towards Swanston Street. The man was perceived to be Caucasian in appearance and was wearing a distinctive red polo shirt. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Detectives from the Monash Crime Investigation Unit are appealing for information following a burglary in Clayton last month.

Investigators believe two men attended a service station on Centre Road about 4:05am on Sunday 24 January. The pair smashed in the front doors and made their way to the cigarette cabinet where they used an angle grinder to gain entry. The pair then stole cigarettes and left in a gold coloured sedan with stolen registration plates AKN-976. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Detectives from Melbourne Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team are appealing for information following a sexual assault in Melbourne last month.

Investigators have been told a woman in her 20s was walking on the south side of Flinders Street, between King and William streets, about 2:15am on Sunday 24 January. A passing car stopped and offered the woman a lift. She got into the vehicle which drove around for a while before she was sexually assaulted. She managed to get out of the car and it drove off. Detectives wish to speak to anyone who may have been in the area at the time and particularly wish to speak to anyone who may have dashcam footage taken in the area or surrounds at the time. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Maribyrnong theft

By Contributed Wednesday, 3 February, 2021,16:00

Police investigate Melbourne sexual assault

Officers from Altona North Wayward Taskforce are investigating a theft which occurred in Maribyrnong on Monday afternoon.

Members have been told four males entered a sports store situated in a complex on Rosamond Road about 3:15pm on 1 February. Once inside the store, the group have selected

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various pairs of shoes, valuing $1800, and left without paying. A witness followed the group. Investigators believe they got into a silver Ford sedan and drove off. The offenders are perceived to be of African appearance and aged between 16 to 20 years of age. All were wearing dark clothing. Investigators believe a number of people witnessed the incident and may have filmed or taken photos of the offenders and their vehicle. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

along the Hume Freeway in Craigieburn about 9:30pm. It is alleged the wagon was seen travelling at a fast rate of speed along the Hume Freeway before travelling onto the Western Ring Road and Tullamarine Freeway. The driver was later arrested in Derrimutt about 10:40pm after he allegedly attempted to flee the area on foot. He was remanded in custody to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court today. A 24-year-old Colac female, who was also in the vehicle at the time, was released pending further enquiries.

Man assaulted and robbed at Tarneit

By Contributed Wednesday, 3 February, 2021,06:30

26-year-old Mernda man arrested following Hume Freeway erratic driving

By Contributed Wednesday, 3 February, 2021,13:00 Hume Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following an alleged erratic driving incident along the Hume Freeway in Craigieburn last night. The 26-yearold Mernda man received multiple charges including theft of a motor vehicle, possess a drug of dependence, possessing an identity document with intent to commit an indictable offence and dangerous driving while being pursued by police.

The charges follow the attempted intercept of a 2018 Subaru XV after it allegedly failed to stop for police

Moir's View ...

By Alan Moir Wednesday, 3 February, 2021,08:00

Altona North Wayward Taskforce detectives have released a computergenerated image of a suspect they seek to identify after a man was robbed and assaulted at Tarneit late last year. Investigators have been told the 36-year-old man was meeting a friend outside a Turva Avenue property when he was approached by six unknown males at midnight on Sunday, 13 December. The group assaulted the man with glass bottles and pushed him to the ground before he was kicked and punched to the upper body. The offenders stole the man’s mobile phone, bank cards and Nike shoes before fleeing on foot.

The victim managed to alert emergency services who arrived shortly after and transported him to hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Investigators have today released a computer-generated image of a suspect who forced the victim to provide his phone password. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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Cranbourne North aggravated home invasion Caroline Springs shooting

By Contributed Tuesday, 2 February, 2021,14:00

By Contributed Wednesday, 3 February, 2021,06:30 Armed Crime Squad detectives are investigating after a man sustained minor injuries from a gunshot wound in Caroline Springs overnight. The incident occurred on Caroline Springs Boulevard, near Federation Way, about 12:15am. An 18-year-old Kings Way man suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body and was transported to hospital with minor injuries.

The exact circumstances are yet to be established and the investigation remains ongoing. Federation Way is currently closed to traffic. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Police investigate Melbourne assault

By Contributed Tuesday, 2 February, 2021,19:00 Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance to identify two men following an unprovoked assault in the Melbourne CBD late last year.

Investigators have been told two men were on the corner of King Street and Lonsdale Street when they were approached and assaulted by two unknown men about 2am on 20 December. Both victims, a 24-year-old Noble Park man and a 23-year-old man also from Noble Park, were knocked unconscious during the assault and one was transported to hospital. Both offenders were perceived to be of Maori or Pacific Islander in appearance and had facial hair.

Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted during an aggravated home invasion in Cranbourne North last night. It’s believed three male offenders attended a Lindenow Court address and ransacked a bedroom about 7:15pm. A neighbour heard an occupant scream and jumped the back fence to assist when he was confronted by the offenders. One offender struck the victim to the head with an unknown weapon before the group fled on foot. The 41-year-old man was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The occupants of the address were not injured. Police are investigating whether the burglary was targeted, and it remains ongoing. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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Detective charged with assault

By Contributed Tuesday, 2 February, 2021,09:30 A detective constable from Crime Command has been charged with assault following an incident on 22 January 2020. The alleged incident occurred in Tullamarine whilst the 25-year-old member was on duty who will appear at court at a later date. No further details were provided by Victoria Police.

Murrindindi Shire announces business webinar for end of JobKeeper

By Contributed Tuesday, 2 February, 2021,12:00 Are you a small business in Murrindindi Shire currently receiving payments through the Australian Government's JobKeeper?

Murrindindindi Council is hosting a webinar at 6:30pm on Wednesday 17 February, to help small businesses prepare for the completion of the JobKeeper Program. The webinar is being run by AgBiz Assist through its Small Business Support Program and will discuss practical information on how businesses can plan for the completion of JobKeeper payments and what key strategies, actions and resources can help to keep their financial position stable. It will also provide an opportunity for small business owners to ask any questions, so be sure to come prepared. AgBiz Assist is a regionallybased organisation that provides support and assistance to business communities in a number of local government areas, including Murrindindi Shire. Registrations for the webinar are essential. For more information and to register for the event, please click here.

Kyabram man Damien Barber wanted

By Contributed Tuesday, 2 February, 2021,11:30 Police are appealing for public assistance to help arrest 30-year-old Kyabram man Damien Barber. He is wanted on a warrant for theft-related matters and described as 180cm tall with a thin build, brown hair, and green eyes. He is known to frequent the Kyabram and Bendigo areas.

Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Moir's View ...

By Alan Moir Tuesday, 2 February, 2021,08:00

Collision on M80 Ring Road

By Contributed

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Tuesday, 2 February, 2021,06:00 Police are investigating a fatal collision on the Western Ring Road in Sunshine last night after four vehicles were observed racing near the Furlong Road on-ramp about 11 o'clock. The cars then split up on the Western Ring Road. A short time later one of the cars, a black Holden Commodore sedan, believed to have been racing, collided into the back of another vehicle. The four occupants of the offending vehicle, a female and three males, were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries despite two of them being ejected from the vehicle on impact. The male driver and female passenger in the other car were not seriously injured.

Police wish to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the vehicles prior to the collision. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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