In brief
IF YOU know of any suddenly announced barbecues, Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) Detective Sergeant Pat Barrow wants to hear from you.
Police are on the hunt for thieves who took off with $6000 worth of meat from a butcher shop in Main Road, Monbulk, between 6.20pm on Thursday 3 September and 6.15am on Friday 4 September.
Det Sgt Barrow said the back door of the shop had been forced open, and that the thieves had “stolen a large quantity of meat” from the store.
“We’re looking at about $6000,” he said.
“Some meat trays were recovered in the back yard.”
Det Sgt Barrow said the thieves would have required a vehicle to transport all of the meat.
Anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity overnight – or knows somebody suddenly over-encumbered with meat – to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Firewood arson bid fails
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a burglary and attempted arson at a firewood business in Mount Evelyn.
Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) Detective Sergeant Pat Barrow said unknown persons broke into A.S.A.P. Firewood on York Road, Mount Evelyn, between 4.30pm on Wednesday 2 September and 8am the following day.
They are then believed to have forced their way into the office and stolen a cash register, which was empty.
Det Sgt Barrow said the burglars then poured petrol onto a shed at the business, but added that it did not ignite.
Anyone who may have information, or who witnessed any suspicious activity is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Five gas bottles stolen
GAS-GUZZLING burglars are being sought by police after two break-ins at Seville Stockfeeds at the end of August.
Between 5pm on Thursday 27 August and 8am the next morning, unknown persons are believed to have cut through a wire fence to get into the yard of the business in Bell Street, Seville.
Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) Detective Sergeant Pat Barrow said two 45 kilogram gas bottles were stolen from the property.
Between 12.30pm on Saturday 29 August and 8am on Monday 31 August, someone allegedly cut through the same fence to get into the yard, this time stealing three of the 45kg bottles.
Det Sgt Barrow said a 1996-made, green Kawasaki KX 100 was also stolen from the property, and that wire-cutters were used to cut through the fence.
“Most likely, they’d need a vehicle to have taken all of that gear away,” he said.
Anyone who may have information, or who witnessed any suspicious activity is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Burglary, theft charges laid
A LAUNCHING Place man will face court after he was arrested for burglary and theft in the Upper Yarra area.
Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) Detective Sergeant Pat Barrow said the 29-year-old man was arrested on Friday 28 August.
He was charged with two counts of burglary and three counts of theft, all of which occurred in Launching Place.
The man was bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court at a later date.