MAY 14, 2019 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
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Marble menace strikes By Jessica Micallef Vandals have been caught on camera “firing marbles from slingshots” at stores in Sunbury’s Link Arcade. According to business owners, a group of young people has been caught on camera firing marbles into store windows from the roofs of neighbouring buildings. Hidden Cafe was one of the Link Arcade stores targeted. Owner Martin Beamer said the vandalism was distressing. “There have been a lot of windows damaged by vandals … we are sick of it,” he said. “My business, Hidden Cafe, has had a front window damaged by a marble fired by a slingshot … it will cost $3000 to replace and I have to pay $500 excess,” he said.
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One peck of a talent
There are not enough police in Sunbury, as we all know - Martin Beamer
paula Jewell and lolly
Jessica Micallef
12418050-RC21-19 10070720-17
“Windows were damaged opposite our cafe, to the physio and medical building. There are CCTV cameras in the street where this has happened going directly to Sunbury police station. “We know we have to replace windows, but it costs more money from our pockets and it’s very frustrating.” Mr Beamer said he was dissatisfied with the police response. “There are not enough police in Sunbury, as we all know,” he said. “It really disappoints me that there are no police in Sunbury – they don’t seem interested.” Mr Beamer said he had taken matters into his own hands by installing security cameras at his cafe. According to one store owner in Link Arcade, the vandalism in the area had been occurring for about six weeks. “It’s been happening for a while,” they said. “They are up on the roofs, and they are firing marbles from slingshots. “It’s only a matter of time before they hit someone in the eye.” Sunbury Acting Sergeant Matt Schappacher said there had been four separate shop vandalism incidents reported in Sunbury dating back to January 21. It is believed police have identified a suspect. Police have urged anyone with information to contact Sunbury police station on 9744 8111.
(Shawn Smits)
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Forget Albert Einstein – Lolly the chicken is the new Macedon Ranges mathematician. Edgar’s Mission communications officer Paula Jewell said Lolly was one of 15,000 hens facing depopulation after a free range egg farm went bankrupt in 2016. “We headed down there … it was a matter of grabbing all the hens we could. “We saved around 400 … and Lolly was one of them.” In two years, Lolly has become a firm favourite with staff and visitors to the animal farm and she’s shown she’s got talent. “She actually has learnt to count,” Ms Jewell said. “I say a number and she pecks a badge that number of times. “We train them … the same as you train a dog or any other animal – clicker training. “What I am learning is they have so many more abilities that even I realised. “If Lolly could speak, I’m sure she’d tell people that the next time someone calls them a bird brain, just say ‘thank you’ – it could be the greatest compliment they’ve ever received.” Lolly and her counting ability were star attractions at the farm’s recent 16th anniversary celebrations.
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