Deer, oh deer
POLICE are calling on residents to keep an eye out for a life-sized plush deer, valued at over $1000, that went missing over the weekend.
Belgrave Leading Senior Constable Dick Kamoen told the Mail that the deer, known as ‘Mr Dandy’ and is light brown with white spots, was taken from Sassafras cafe, The CourtYard, between 9am and 3pm on Sunday, 23 August.
The cafe is located on the corner of Hilton Road and Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, and posted about the disappearance “with heavy hearts” on the day.
Mr Dandy, the post read, was used to advertise the business’s coffee van.
“If anyone hears of a ‘new’ addition to someone’s family, he is a loss to ours,” the post went on.
As of Monday afternoon, the post had more than 100 shares and comments of encouragement from people in the hills and beyond.
Olinda Police Leading Senior Constable Andrew Allen said he was also aware of the deer’s disappearance.
Anyone who has information on Mr Dandy’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au, or LSC Kamoen at Belgrave Police on 9754 6677.
In black and white
OLINDA Police are searching for information after a white fence was defaced over the weekend.
Leading Senior Constable Andrew Allen said that after 11pm on Friday, 21 August, someone had blotched black paint on a white fence in Hilton Road in Sassafras.
He said the part of the fence was a white pillar with an antique light on top, and that black paint had been blotched on it.
“You wouldn’t call it graffiti as such, it’s just black-on-white,” Leading Sec Const Allen said.
The property is opposite to the Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve.
Anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
School break-in
POLICE are appealing for information after a burglary last Monday at Yellingbo Primary School.
At about 2am on Monday, 17 August, police believe unknown persons forced their way into the school buildings on Healesville-Kooweerup Road in Yellingbo.
A DVD player, a guitar and a laptop were stolen from the school, which were been valued at more than $500.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Keep cars locked
YARRA Ranges Police officers are reminding residents to lock their cars and keep valuables out of sight, as car break-ins continue across the board.
Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) Detective Acting Sergeant, Mark Hodgson, told the Mail that residents across the Yarra Ranges were continuing to leave cars unlocked, and that these cars were then being robbed as a result.
“People keep leaving their cars unlocked,” Det Sgt Hodgson said.
“It’s across the board, really.”
The solution was simple – when leaving a car, make sure it is locked, and any valuables are either taken out or stowed out of sight.
Det Sgt Hodgson said that trades workers in particular were often hit by robbers, who make off with power tools and other expensive gear.
In the wash up
POLICE have arrested a Ringwood man in relation to thefts from a Chirnside Park carwash last year.
On Wednesday, 19 August, police executed warrants at a Ringwood address and arrested a 28-year-old man in relation to a series of thefts from car washes in the area.
Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit Detective Acting Sergeant, Mark Hodgson said the man is alleged to have stolen coins from a Chirnside Park car wash in September last year.
It is believed that he used a vacuum cleaner to suck coins out of a machine.
The man was charged and bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 7 January, 2016.
Teen on theft charges
A MOOROOLBARK teenager will face court this week to face theft and deception charges after being arrested last week.
On Monday, 17 August, police arrested the 18-year-old man in relation to thefts and deceptions around the Mooroolbark and Knox areas.
He was remanded in custody and will appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 28 August.
