NEWS DESK
Arrests smash a ‘fraud ring’ Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au
Dynamic duo: Pastor Ulli Roldan, left, and Reverend Angel Roldan co-founded Life-Gate in 1992 to help disadvantaged youth in Frankston and surrounding suburbs. Picture: Gary Sissons
Antiques fair back for seconds AN antiques fair will be held at Monash University’s Frankston campus to raise money to support Life-Gate, a charity that helps disadvantaged, marginalised and disengaged youth. Pastor Ulli Roldan and Reverend Angel Roldan, wife and husband co-founders of Life-Gate, were named Citizens of the Year by Frankston Council for 2017 in recognition of their hard work and commitment to the disadvantaged in Frankston and the surrounding areas. There will be 45 stallholders, all undercover, selling a vast
range of antiques and collectables including china, glass, pottery, jewellery, books, dolls, bric a brac and more. The second annual Life-Gate antiques fair will be held at the Monash University Activity and Recreation Centre on Saturday 25 February, 9am-3.30pm. Entry $5 per adult, children free. Proceeds will go to Life-Gate, which operates street outreach services, counselling and art therapy programs for at-risk youth. See life-gate.org or call 03 9770 0595 for further details.
BYSTANDERS scattered during what police call a “hot arrest” in front of a busy Frankston serviced apartment complex at about 3pm last Sunday (5 February). Detectives tackled a man, 28, to the ground as he supposedly kept watch beside pillars in the forecourt of the multi-level Nepean Highway building and handcuffed him. Racing upstairs they raided an apartment and arrested the man’s two alleged accomplices – and man and a woman, both aged 34. The couple were allegedly in possession of 118 stolen drivers’ licences, credit cards, health care and other identity cards, as well as an imitation Beretta handgun. Detectives will allege the cards and licences were being used to produce fake identities in an elaborate fraud operation with links to possibly dozens of thefts over the past eight months. The first arrest warrant in relation to members of the group’s alleged fraudulent activities was issued in June last year. One of the accused was wanted on six warrants. Detective Senior Constable Paul Roberts, of the Embona taskforce,
said the elaborate identity theft operation began to unravel when Frankston police night shift Acting Sergeant Matt Pearce, doing a routine CBD patrol, spotted a stolen Ford sedan emerging from the building’s car park, early Saturday 4 February. It was red flagged as having been stolen during an aggravated burglary in Lilydale two days earlier. But, before other police units could arrive on the scene, the car sped out of Frankston. Detectives studied CCTV footage of the building’s car park and identified the occupants before finding the hotel room had been booked in real names. A clandestine search found the imitation pistol which police removed before the next day’s raid. Later, the Ford was found torched in Mulgrave, with the occupants possibly buying another car for cash in the eastern suburbs and driving it back to their apartment to plan their next move. Detective Roberts said the stolen cards were being used to set up bogus online accounts with banks. Minimum credit lines would then be accessed and money taken from victims’ accounts. He said it was unclear at this stage how much money had been stolen in this way.
Ross River virus alert hits region Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au CASES of Ross River virus have been confirmed in Frankston and Casey, prompting health offers to warn residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites. Victoria’s chief health officer Professor Charles Guest said the virus had affected six residents and been detected in mosquitoes trapped nearby. In a worrying sign, the virus appears to have made its own way to Frankston. “None of the people diagnosed with Ross River virus have travelled to areas where mosquitoes carrying the virus are usually found,” Professor Guest said. Symptoms for Ross River virus include fever, headache, aching muscles
and joints as well as fatigue. Many infected people also develop a rash. People experiencing symptoms should see their GP or local hospital, he said. The onset of symptoms may be two-14 days following a mosquito bite. Frankston Council is trying to identify areas that may be the source of the Ross River virus. “Our Environmental Health Officers will inspect these areas and provide education regarding the management of mosquitoes,” mayor Cr Brian Cunial said. Cr Cunial said council is working with the Department of Health and Human Services and also Melbourne Water which manages the Seaford-Edithvale Wetlands. The mayor said council had not been
provided with specifics to combat the virus. “Council’s environmental health unit will investigate all requests from residents regarding possible breeding sites of mosquitoes on both public and private property,” Cr Cunial said. Professor Guest said recent heavy rain and warm weather had created conditions ideal for mosquitoes to breed. “We have seen a significant increase in mosquito numbers as a result,” he said. “Taking measures to avoid bites is a critical step to protect yourself and your family against mosquito-borne diseases.” DHHS spokesman Bram Alexander said local people affected lived in metropolitan Frankston. Peninsula Health’s head of infectious
diseases Dr Peter Kelley said because it takes time for the symptoms of the virus to show, the actual mosquito bites could be long gone. “If you notice any of the symptoms of Ross River virus, it’s important to visit your GP to be assessed as soon as possible,” Dr Kelley said. “But, as with any mosquito-borne illness, the best protection from this disease is to avoid getting bitten.” Professor Guest said forecast weather conditions over the next few weeks could provide extended ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. “Mosquitoes are at their most active at dawn and dusk, although some species can be present and bite throughout the day,” he said. Insect screens should be fitted to doors
and windows and residents are encouraged to wear long, light coloured loosefitting clothing, and use an insect repellent containing picaridin or DEET as an active ingredient on exposed skin areas. Stagnant water around the home or campsite is the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes – such as in old tyres, fish ponds, water tanks and pot plant holders. “As mosquitoes can hatch quickly, water containers around the home should be emptied at least once a week,” Professor Guest said. Information on mosquito-borne illnesses is available at the Department of Health and Human Services’ website and via Frankston Council’s website and Facebook page. Anyone infected by the Ross River virus should visit their doctor.
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Mornington News 14 February 2017