Police patrol
With Liz Bell
Vandals attack churches POLICE are investigating several attacks by vandals on Saint Mark's Anglican Church, Dromana which caused significant damage to the church’s interior, destroyed historic stainedglass windows and smashed a keyboard. In the first incident in early May, a full bottle was thrown at a window from outside the building. One week later 10 bottles of red paint were splashed around the back of the church and more windows broken. In the latest incident, which occurred overnight between 25 and 26 May, an offender kicked in a glass panel door to enter the building and before destroying all six stained-glass windows of the 1893 church. The electronic keyboard was also damaged with a heavy object. The repair bill is expected to be thousands of dollars. It is believed several other Anglican and Presbyterian churches in Mornington, Dromana and Rosebud have also been vandalised in recent weeks. Anyone with information should phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Teen crime spree THREE teenagers were arrested and charged overnight on 25 May following a series of aggravated burglaries across Mornington and Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs. The three 15-year-old boys, from Mulgrave and Noble Park, were charged with a range of offences including home invasion, theft of motor vehicle, theft from motor vehicle, obtain property by deception and commit indictable offence while on bail. The charges relate to several incidents, including: Sunglasses stolen from car and attempted break-in at house in Silvan Grove, Morning-
A Mazda CX5 stolen during an aggravated burglary in Vermont South and stolen bank cards subsequently used during deceptions in the evening on 11 May. A Jaguar stolen during aggravated burglary from Foam Street, Parkdale overnight 14-15 May. Tools and marine diving equipment stolen from a house in Foam Street, Parkdale overnight 14-15 May A 2021 Jaguar, Gucci shoes, handbag and wallet stolen during an aggravated burglary from a house in Pine Ridge, Donvale about 4.55am on 19 May. The trio were all remanded in custody to appear before a children’s court at a later date. A fourth teen was also arrested and is expected to be charged on summons in relation to theft of motor vehicle.
Couple charged ton about 2am on 16 May. The offenders were chased away by the residents. Netball equipment stolen from car parked outside a Dorothy Crescent, Mornington address overnight 15-16 May. A Honda HRV stolen from another Dorothy Crescent property about 2.10am on 16 May. A Land Rover Discovery stolen from a property in Rendlesham Avenue, Mount Eliza about 5.30am on 16 May. A Mercedes Benz stolen from Sea Haze Court, Mount Eliza about 2pm on 16 May. A car broken into on Herbert Street, Mornington about 11.30pm on 16 May. Perfume, a necklace and a wallet stolen from a car parked in Maddison Avenue, Mount Eliza about 1am on 17 May. A Ford Mondeo and bag stolen from Herbert Street, Mornington about 2.30am on 17 May. A handbag stolen from a car at a Heath Street, Templestowe Lower address and bank cards used at various stores on 6 May. A Nissan Juke and Hyundai i30 stolen from Laurimar Hill Drive, Doreen during an aggravated burglary in the early hours of 11 May.
TWO people have been arrested for allegedly stealing about $500,000 worth of power tools, following a series of thefts in Mornington and across Melbourne’s southeast. Frankston Crime Investigation Unit detectives made the arrests after investigating reports of thefts from vehicles and trailers across the southeast over the past three months. It is alleged the pair were targeting unlocked trailers and cars parked at trade sites and shopping centres across. The alleged offending occurred between March and May at Mornington, Chadstone, Cheltenham, Dandenong, Frankston, Melbourne, and Narre Warren. A 33-year-old Cranbourne man and a 28-yearold Cranbourne woman were arrested on Tuesday 24 May, with police seizing more than 100 power and hand tools, golf clubs, a bike and high-end clothing. Both have been charged with nearly 50 theft related charges including handling of stolen goods, going equipped to steal, theft and committing an indictable offence while on bail. They have been remanded to appear before the Dandenong Magistrates Court on 28 June 2022.
Anyone with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic. com.au. “We have absolutely no hesitation in tracking down and arresting anyone targeting the trade industry,” Detective Sergeant David Measham said. “Police never want to see anyone’s livelihood impacted by preventable crime and we ask all members of our community, please lock up your cars and help stop opportunistic thieves in their tracks.”
Off the road A 30-year-old Rye man who was driving while suspended and tested positive for illicit drugs has had his vehicle impounded for 30 days and will be charged on summons for traffic and drug offences. Somerville Highway Patrol members were on patrol in the Rye area on 24 May when they detected a VW Golf as being registered to a suspended driver. The driver was intercepted and drug tested and was also found to not have an Interlock device installed, no P plates displayed, and the wrong transmission for his licence condition. His vehicle was impounded at a cost of $1200.
Vintage car fire A 1956 Chevrolet car that caught fire in Baxter on Wednesday 25 May received significant damage to the engine compartment and interior (above left). The fire happened on Hawkins Road about 1.15pm and was responded to by Baxter and Somerville fire brigades. On arrival crews were faced with smoke coming from the engine compartment and driver side of the vintage vehicle. Fire fighters using breathing apparatus were able to control the blaze in minutes, but not before the car suffered significant damage. Nobody was injured and the road was closed for about 30 minutes.
There’s a brand new Library Hub at Sorrento Community Centre Having been a popular destination for library reservation pick-ups and drop-offs for years, the Sorrento Community Centre now houses its very own browsing collection. Be inspired as you peruse the gardening, cooking and parenting resources available, as well as the biographies, junior fiction, young-adult, picture books and some of the latest adult fiction from some great authors.
Experience the joy of volunteering
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We’re there when people need us the most
Sorrento Community House 860-868 Melbourne Rd, Sorrento Opening hours: 9am–5pm weekdays, or when the centre is open
Connect with local volunteers and find out why they love volunteering and what volunteering opportunities are available to you.
For more information ourlibrary.mornpen.vic.gov.au
Hear the experiences of volunteers from Meals on Wheels, emergency services, visitor centre and more here:
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Southern Peninsula News
1 June 2022
mornpen.vic.gov.au/volunteerlocally
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