Police patrol
With Stephen Taylor
Police looking out for flashers over summer MORNINGTON police are planning to step up patrols against flashers on the foreshore between Mount Eliza and Mount Martha this summer. Senior Sergeant Paul Edwards said the problem was “not of epidemic proportions, but it does rear its head from time to time and we want to stamp it out”. Senior Sergeant Edwards said flashers were known to frequent narrow and winding tracks and trails leading to and from beaches and near beach boxes. “It’s a seasonal thing and we will be mobilising police on foot and on bike patrols, especially near the Balcombe estuary,” he said. A Southbank man was arrested in that area last year and charged with 10 counts of willful and obscene exposure from September to November. His case, adjourned a number of times, will go before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court next month. Senior Sergeant Edwards said flashers usually targeted girls and young women who often just chose to avert their eyes and ignore it, rather than taking positive action. Sometimes they waited until they got home, hours later, before reporting the offence, making it hard for police to catch the suspect. “What we are asking is for victims to immediately call 000,” he said. “They should not approach the flasher but, if possible, observe them while making the call, taking note of their descriptions. “If they can take a picture of the offender on the phone that would be even better.” Senior Sergeant Edwards said flashers often did not have criminal histories, making them harder to detect.
Snake in the grass THE discovery of an illegal eastern corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) at Hastings has prompted police to ask if anyone has information about it or any other exotic species of reptile. The white snake was found in a backyard on Hodgins Road, between Marine Parade and Victoria Street, Sunday 13 September. Witnesses had reported numerous sightings of a white snake loose in the area several months before its capture. The albino-like reptile – an exotic pest – was probably kept as a pet before its escape. Police said it was illegal to import, keep, breed, trade or release the snakes in Victoria. They posed “one of the greatest threats to biodiversity as they have the potential to establish in Victoria and predate upon and spread disease to our native wildlife”. “As a result of illegal possession and trade, the eastern corn snake has been discovered in all states of Australia, having either escaped or being deliberately released.” Anyone with information about this snake or any other exotic species of reptile is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
Erratic driving A GOLD coloured Honda Accord being driven south east on Frankston-Flinders Road, Somerville, was reportedly veering into oncoming traffic, 12.50pm, Tuesday 6 October. Police said an approaching driver had to take evasive action to avoid a collision between Hawkins Road and Eramosa Road East. Anyone who saw the incident, or has dashcam footage, is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
Applications open Fire Management Contractors List 2020/21 Mornington Peninsula Shire invites applications from local contractors to be considered for placement on our Fire Management Contractors List. The Shire inspects private land for fire hazards in the lead-up to summer and during the Declared Fire Danger Period. Where a fire hazard is identified, landowners are sent a Fire Prevention Notice issued either under the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 or the Fire Rescue Victoria Act 1958 to
remove the fire hazard by a specified date. To assist owners with carrying out the work, the Shire includes a Fire Management Contractors List with each Fire Prevention Notice sent. The list will also be published on the Shire’s website. Contractors may be requested to undertake works including slashing grass and undertaking weed and vegetation removal.
Applications close 5pm Friday 30 October 2020 To apply and learn more visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/fpn
For more information contact the Environment Protection Unit: 5950 1050 PAGE 10
Mornington News
13 October 2020
Rosebud thefts TWO MacBook Air laptops, a motor-driven pushbike and car keys were stolen from a house in Jetty Road, Rosebud, 12-2.30pm, Tuesday 6 October. No one was home at the time. Anyone with CCTV in the Lawson Crescent/ Jetty Road area is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
Tools stolen Tools valued at $1000 were stolen from a shed behind a house in Glenvue Road, Rye, possibly over the weekend 3-5 October. They included a chainsaw and angle grinder. A second lot of tools including an angle grinder, drill, spanners and wrenches were stolen from a warehouse in Thames Street, Rosebud, 4-6 October.