NEWS DESK Police patrol
Centre on fire – again
Creating art in the open THERE are no limits to the materials and inspirations utilised by artists in pursuit of their craft. Off Balnarring Rd near the Tuerong junction hay bales eye off passing motorists, while in Buckley Reserve, Merricks, old pistons are propped, toadstool like, against the base of a tree. These artistic expressions give a new meaning to “en plein air,� the French term for artists working in the open air. Pictures: Gary Sissons
CFA brigades from Baxter, Langwarrin, Hastings and a breathing apparatus van from Frankston battled a fire which destroyed a portable office at the rear of the Somerville recreation centre on Saturday night. Crews were alerted to a bin fire at 10.40pm at the rear of the mechanics hall by a passer-by. When they arrived, a large column of smoke was seen rising from the rear of the old rec centre, which itself was burnt out in November in a blaze which caused $1.75-$2 million damage. On Sunday 5 February crews were again called to a “small� blaze inside the rec centre’s kitchen and office area, 4.45pm. Office materials may have been used to light the fire which was restricted to bench tops. Somerville brigade captain David O’Brien said the Saturday 11 February blaze was again deliberate. “Whoever lit the fire in the dumpster pushed it into the wall of the portable and it was fully engaged when we arrived. Flames were beginning to impact on the rear of the main building.� The $60,000 portable was destroyed and the blaze took about an hour to control. Three youths were seen running towards Jones Rd. Police had cordoned off the area and arson experts were searching for clues on Sunday morning. Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800333000.
Burn-off breaks out CFA crews managed to contain an out-of-control burn-off on a private property at Pearcedale, Sunday 12 February. Half a hectare of grass and rubbish were burned before firefighters managed to contain
the blaze just after 3pm. Ten fire trucks attended the incident in Eramosa Rd and the fire was controlled before it could threaten homes. Fire restrictions were not in place on the day. The CFA encourages people to register burn-offs with the authority. Tips on how to conduct burn-offs safely can be found at cfa.vic.gov.au
Skylight robbery YOUTHS may have been to blame for a robbery at the Crib Point Community Centre, 1.20am, Saturday 11 February. Acting Senior Sergeant Melissa Rodgers, of Hastings police, said a skylight on the roof of the Governors Rd building was smashed and chocolates and chips taken from the canteen. Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800333000.
Car lost in blaze TWO men were captured on CCTV pouring petrol from a can over a man’s car before setting it alight in Heatherlee Close, Somerville. The men – one aged 17 and the other in his late 20s or early 30s – received burns to their hands, and possibly their faces, when they lit the fire at 5.30am, Monday 13 February. They ran off along Graf Rd before disappearing. A Holden Commodore was destroyed in the attack. Detective Senior Constable Paul Smith, of Mornington Peninsula CIU, said anyone with information should call him on 5978 1430 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
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Western Port News 14 February 2017
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