Friday, January 27, 2012
A Star News Group publication
Phone: 5249 6700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
Father-in-law Trev welcomes ‘mate’ as an official Aussie BY ERIN PEARSON TORQUAY’S Trevor Secombe had a special reason to eagerly await Australia Day celebrations this week. The proud father-in-law of Englishman Frank Burke said his “mate” was particularly worthy of Australian citizenship. Trevor said he’d taken Frank under his wing with pride since he moved to Australia more than a decade ago. “I’m a very proud father-in-law because Frank is an all-round good guy,” Trevor said. “He’s one of those people who’ll always help you out, which is a real Aussie quality. He’s really taken to Australia and adopted our love of the country.” Frank met Trevor’s daughter, Shannon, while backpacking around Australia in 1999. “The first time I met Trev was at his 60th. I bought him a bottle of single-malt whiskey, so it went down very well,” he laughed. “When I first came to Australia I found myself instantly at home and I’ve embraced the Aussie way of life. This area has a real sense of community where people are always willing to give you a go if you’re prepared to work hard and I like that.” Shannon said she was thrilled with her father and Frank’s close bond. Trevor became Frank’s “role model” after his father died a few years ago, she said. “It’s a special thing they have.” Frank was due to receive his citizenship at a ceremony in Torquay’s Taylor Park on Australia Day.
Proud Aussies: Trevor Secombe and Frank Burke salute Australia Day. Picture: Tommy Ritchie 76141
FEAR OVER TAN SURGE PAGE 3
PAGE 7
AND FINALLY IT’S FRIDAY PAGE 29
Torquay ‘an easy touch for thieves’ BY ERIN PEARSON CRIMINALS are travelling to the Surf Coast to steal from cars as residents refuse to lock their vehicles, according to police. Torquay Police Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Blunt said officers were “fed up” with the rate of cars left unlocked on the coast. Det Sen Sgt Blunt said police recently charged an 18-year-old Herne Hill man with theft offences for allegedly ransack-
ing about 70 cars. The man allegedly told police he merely walked along streets “trying handles”, Det Sen Sgt Blunt said. “Thieves are getting more desperate and coming down this way to try their luck. “They’re specifically coming down here to steal because cars are predominately unlocked and full of valuables. “Crooks talk and they see Torquay as a sleepy hollow.” Victoria Police crime statistics
show 190 reports of theft from cars on the Surf Coast in 2010/2011. Theft from cars was the third most reported offence after property damage and other thefts. Det Sen Sgt Blunt said other towns on the coast were also in the thieves’ sights. A man stole from 10 unlocked cars at Anglesea soon after Christmas, he said. Money and GPS devices were major targets. “They’re just after money and
SEE OUR ADVERTISEMENT ON PAGE 16.
COOKTOPS DISHWASHERS FRIDGES OVENS SINKS UPRIGHT COOKERS RANGEHOODS WASHING MACHINES
EXTENSIVE SHOWROOM DISPLAYS 19 Ormond Road, East Geelong Ph: 5221 1642 TRADING HOURS MONDAY - FRIDAY 9-5PM, SATURDAY 9-1PM
blasé about locking their cars.” Torquay Jan Juc Neighbourhood Watch coordinator David Cheatley said residents must “wake up”. “People know they need to lock their cars and ignore it at their own peril. Then they wonder why police are busy with paperwork when they call with a serious burglary or break in,” Mr Cheatley said. “It’s a bad reputation the town must get rid of. Value what you have and protect it.”
FURNITURE CONTAINER JUST LANDED!
SUMMER SAVINGS AT
LARGE BOSTON RUSTIC LOWLINE
MUSTANG EXTENSION 5PCE DINING 1 colour only Antique Oak (flat pack)
1020608-JM4-12
SAVE UP TO 20%-40% OFF SELECTED DISPLAY & NEW STOCK
stuff they can put through secondhand dealers,” Det Sen Sgt Blunt said. “We encourage people to report these thefts even if coins are only stolen because we can still get finger prints and forensic evidence.” Det Sen Sgt Blunt said thieves would take anything. “We had a male the other day leave a shotgun in the back seat of his unlocked car. “We just scratch our heads to comprehend why people are so
1018481-SH2-12
was $599
was $799
SAVE 50%
SAVE 50%
NOW
$299
NOW
$399
327 Shannon Ave, Newtown (Next to St Josephs College)
P: 5222
4583
M: 0431
702 252
Check out more great deals on page 20
1020323-JF4-12
CONTAINER’S ‘SURPRISE’