FRANKSTON police say “volume crime” offences are expected to trend lower following the recent arrests of several recidivist offenders – although the latest figures may still be above average. Thefts of cars, from cars, and aggravated burglaries are being affected thanks to the locking up of more than 60 offenders over the past six weeks. The scenario is based on the belief that 80 per cent of offences are committed by only 10 per cent of offenders – a statistic aired by Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton at the recent youth crime forum. Backing up the commissioner’s claim is Victoria Legal…
Author: Stephen Taylor
SIX boys from the Frankston area – one aged just 11 – were last week arrested and charged with multiple aggravated burglaries, thefts of cars and committing offences while on bail. Sergeant Andrew Payne, of Dandenong CIU, said the offences occurred in the early hours of Wednesday 27 July in the Cranbourne West area. The Caucasian boys, who were all described as “friends and acquaintances”, range in age from 11-16. They are from Seaford, aged 11, Langwarrin, 13, Frankston, 14, Skye, 15, Frankston North, 15, and Frankston, 16. Four of the boys, including the 11-year-old, were remanded in custody until…
A MT ELIZA mother has taken a stand after being “horrified” at the number of drivers disobeying road rules, ignoring 40kph school speed zones and disregarding flags at school crossings. When her daughter was nearly run over at the unmanned crossing near Mt Eliza Secondary School, Jo Kidder decided to form the Mt Eliza Community Safety Group. It was a cry from the heart which many in the community are now heeding. Ms Kidder wrote to the police, school and Mornington Peninsula Shire to get things moving. In her letter she said: “These cars are coming from the village up…
TALK of vigilante groups patrolling the western suburbs after dark has drawn a cautionary response from Frankston police. Residents there are reportedly so fed up with the rising tide of aggravated burglaries and carjackings that they are taking the law, literally, into their own hands – many with baseball bats and other weapons. And posts on The Times’ Facebook page at Bayside News show a similar sentiment here, with some readers wanting to know the law of self-defence against an intruder in their home. “After the increase in break-ins to steal car keys and aggravated burglaries, it would be helpful…
THE two men in the car next to you at the lights in the centre of Frankston might be more than just two men absent-mindedly studying the traffic. Despite their casual appearance and nonchalant air they could be members of the police Shadow Taskforce, going about their business of keeping an eye out for miscreants and maintaining law and order. The taskforce, established only in April, has already made 120 arrests and kept lawbreakers off the streets and out of trouble – many for months. Although senior members are reluctant to divulge the number of police in the taskforce, they…