NEWS DESK
Family hopes robbery spree over Neil Walker neil@mpenews.com.au THE court appearance last Tuesday of a Pearcedale man with 54 counts of burglary, theft and brings Pearcedale property owners Maree and David Brann closer to ending a frustrating chapter in their lives. Their Middle Rd house was robbed three times just before Easter with Mornington Peninsula detectives later recovering “a significant amount of property�. Detective Senior Constable John Melhuish, of Somerville police complex, said the man, 34, was apprehended on Good Friday and charged with 16 burglaries on peninsula properties from 29 January-24 March. He was remanded in custody last week and will appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court again on 14 April. Stolen from the couple’s property were 150 items, including tools, welding and gardening equipment and chainsaws from a garage which was systematically ransacked, as well as personal items and a family heirloom jewellery box much loved by Mrs Brann who is “over the moon� at its return. “The first robbery was on 18 March and the thieves returned on 23 and 24 March to get more,� Mrs Brann said. “We had just got back from Thai-
Safe and sound: Robbery victim Maree Brann and Detective John Melhuish with the recovered jewellery box. Picture: Gary Sissons
land and found the padlock to our six acre, mostly bush, property cut and then realised we had been robbed,� she said. “They did a lot of damage.� The couple had taken precautions against robbery. But sliding door locks, deadlocks and heavy duty pad-
locks proved no defence against the intruders who peeled back sheets of roofing to gain entry to the handyman’s garage. Locks on the house were changed after the first robbery, but that proved no deterrent. “We thought the big
shed was safe and that no one could get in, so we left on the Sunday and then a neighbour called to say she saw the gate was open.� On return, they found three locked farm gates forced open and screws to panels on the shed removed.
“We just kept getting hit,� Mrs Brann said. “Our neighbour said she saw a man stealing a tub and that was only 50 minutes after we had left. “We are paranoid now about leaving the property, even to the extent of texting neighbours about when we are going and when we plan to return. “It’s done my head in.� After the alleged offender’s arrest on Good Friday, detectives on Easter Sunday were able to return Mrs Brann’s silver jewellery box and several power tools and chain saws. More “big ticket items� were found dumped in a laneway in Langwarrin South. Detective Melhuish estimates only a third of the couple’s stolen goods have so far been recovered. Security at the property is being increased with new alarms installed Thursday. “I can’t tell you how wonderful the police have been,� Mrs Brann said. Detective Melhuish urges property owners to engrave their names on tools and other valuables to make returns easier.
Healthy Living
Start your success story - Try Curves for 6 weeks for $99 CURVES Mornington is inviting local ladies to Start their own Success Stories. During April & May 2016 new members will have the chance to try Curves Fitness for 6 weeks for only 99. If you have ever wondered about Curves, this offer is a great chance to give Curves a try and see the results for yourself. The Curves workout consists of 30 minutes of exercise, at least three times a week. It uses a circuit of hydraulic-resistance machines to build muscle strength and cardio endurance and has proven effective in weight loss, muscle toning, and heightened energy for all fitness levels and body types. We’re making it easy to start small, but dream big. It’s an open invitation to become comfortable with the workout before making a long-term commitment. We’re confident the health benefits will surprise the ladies of Mornington.
curves.co`$Tg
MORNINGTON - 5975 5526 MIP-33/1140 Nepean Hwy (behind moor room) *Offer valid from 1/ /16 until 1/ /16 at participating clubs. Available to new18+ members who sign up to a 6 week fitness package for $99. Package payable up front in full at the time of signing. Fitness access only available at the club where the package is purchased. Offer excludes CurvesSmartŽ and Curves Complete Ž. Equipment may vary between clubs. Visit curves.coN BV or ask in club for full terms and conditions. Š2016 Curves. All rights reserved.
PAGE 50
Mornington News 5 April 2016
Regular exercise and a healthy diet are our best weapons in the fight against preventable diseases such as diabetes & heart disease. It can also reduce the effects of arthritis, osteoporosis, stress & depression. Isn’t good health worth it? Curves Mornington offers a variety of membership options and programs from Fitness & CurvesSmart Personal Coaching through to our Complete program that provides Diet + Exercise + One on One Nutrition Coaching. Pay over the counter each month, prepay a number of months and save or chose a direct debit option. The choice is yours. For more information or to book your no obligation consultation please contact Curves Mornington on 5975 5526, visit www.curvesmornington.com.au or drop into our centre in the Mornington Industrial Park (MIP) at 33/1140 Nepean Highway (behind moor room).