2 December, 2013
A Star News Group Publication
Courage has its reward
Hundreds say no to violence
Property liftout
PAGE 15
PAGE 16
INSIDE
HOMES OPE N TO EXPERIEN CE PAGE 2
Monday,
n Robbery victim sends fake firearm attackers packing...
Fake gun attack A NOBLE Park man, 45, made a dangerous assumption as he stared down the barrel of what turned out to be a fake gun outside his home last week. Three men - one brandishing the fake firearm - entered his Moya Crescent front yard and demanded money about 5.25am on Monday 25 November as he and a woman, 40, were leaving for work. But the terrifying robbery occurred as Victoria Police figures revealed a 17.1 per cent drop in robberies in the Greater Dandenong police service area (PSA) between 1 October last year and 30 September this year, compared with the previous 12 months. Despite being under attack, the man identified the weapon as an imitation and challenged the thief. “On this occasion the victims were lucky,� Greater Dandenong CIU Detective Acting Sergeant Luke Kirton said. “We’d certainly dissuade anyone in those circumstances from confronting someone believing their gun is an imitation. “It’s not worth risking your life.� The other two thieves approached the woman, demanded money and stole her purse. She chased them to Leslie Street where they produced a metal pole from a car and struck her. They then fled in the vehicle, described as a silver four-door sports sedan with a rear spoiler and covered registration plates. An ambulance took the woman to Dandenong Hospital for treatment for minor head injuries. Overall crime increased 9 per cent in Greater Dandenong in 12 months, Victoria Police figures released last Wednesday showed, compared to a 4.6 per cent increase state-wide. Greater Dandenong Inspector Bruce Kitchen said motor vehicle thefts were down 17.1 per cent, but
street assaults, property damage incidents and residential burglaries had increased. “Rest assured local police are addressing these issues through planned operations and strategic daily tasking of the Safe Suburbs Task Force, uniform members from Springvale and Dandenong police stations, our local criminal investigation unit and newlyformed Tactical Anti-Crime Teams (TACT),� he said. Mr Kitchen said the Greater Dande-
nong Family Violence Unit continued to have a significant impact on repeat offenders and a vast improvement on police referrals and reporting. “It is our view that these strategies will help break the cycle of violence and make the family home safer,� he said. Protective Services Officers (PSOs) have now been deployed to four railway stations within the area - Dandenong, Noble Park, Sandown Park and Springvale. “A reduction in criminal offences
at these locations has continued with their presence,� Mr Kitchen said. He said officers would continue community engagement projects to tackle youth crime, partnering with other government agencies and community support groups. “In the coming months you will see local uniform police at shopping centres and other public places answering your questions, offering advice and asking how police can do things better for you,� he said.
Sign of respect SMOKE filled Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Friday, but there was no cause for alarm. The Koori Court hosted a welcome to country and traditional smoking ceremony to show respect for the land’s traditional owners. The court opened in 1994 but a ceremony had not previously taken place. Wurundjeri woman, Jemima Gardiner, delivered the welcome to country and the Jindi Woraback dancers performed in traditional body paint with boomerangs Picture: ROB CAREW and didgeridoos. 110545
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The Noble Park attackers were described as in their early 20s, of Indian or Sri Lankan heritage with medium builds. The man brandishing the fake gun was about 182 centimetres tall with short, black curly hair and was wearing black tracksuit pants with white stripes and a black hoodie. The other two attackers were 182cm and 175cm tall and were also wearing dark clothing. Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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By CASEY NEILL