Briefly

Siege drama ends peacfully
A SIEGE in Ferny Creek ended peacefully after a man called police threatening self-harm.
Belgrave Sergeant Mick Hall said police received a call from a man not long after 1.30am on 25 June.
“When police arrived, they noticed the man was holding a machete and had barricaded himself in his home,” Sgt Hall said.
“The Critical Incident Response Team was called and they were able to negotiate with the male.”
During negotiations, the man covered himself in petrol and threatened to set himself alight.
But police were able to find a peaceful resolution and the 27-year-old man was arrested without incident and taken to Maroondah Hospital for treatment.
Police bear brunt of pursuit
$2500 WORTH of damage was caused to a police vehicle after a burglary at Lilydale High School turned into a pursuit last week.
Police are now searching for a man who forced entry into the computer room at Lilydale High School on 21 June around 6am.
Detective Sergeant Mark Smithwick said responding police saw the man leave in a vehicle which they pursued along Maroondah Highway.
“Not far from the police station the car was left unoccupied rolling down a hill with police stopping it with their own car to stop it from going into oncoming traffic,” he said.
It is believed the man didn’t get away with any computers.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Power tools spirited away
POWER tools were stolen from a garage in Emerald on the weekend. Police said the theft occurred between 6pm on 26 June and 1pm on 28 June on Lakeside Drive. The tools are worth about $2000. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Pakenham police on 5945 2500.