Eyewatch - Bendigo Police Service Area

Detectives have charged a teen following an alleged burglary in Eaglehawk earlier this month.

Investigators allege that offenders gained access to a garage on Moonah Drive via a roller door about 3am on Thursday 5 September. It is alleged they made off with three motorcycles and a cordless drill.

A short time later an allegedly stolen Skoda Wagon was recovered in Quarry Hill, containing a motorcycle and a cordless drill.

Police allege that the Skoda was stolen from a Newstead address on 28 August.

A 15-year-old Long Gully boy was arrested at the scene and has since been charged with attempted aggravated burglary, burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and handle stolen goods.

He will face a children's court at a later date.

Man killed in Redesdale light aircraft crash.

It is believed the pilot was flying over private property on Coliban Park Road when the aircraft crashed about 12.30pm.

Read more: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/man-killed-redesdale-light-aircraft-carsh

School holidays are just around the corner, and we have an exciting opportunity for your family to come join us at Bunnings Epsom for our next Coffee with a Cop event.
On Friday 4th October members will be in attendance, along with a patrol car on show, for you to come and have a tour through.
Come see us between 10 and 11.30am for a catch up over a free cuppa. ☕

First Constable Darlene Hatchett doesn't shy away from a career change - or ostriches for that matter!

Having moved from Zimbabwe to Australia a few years ago, Darlene knows that nothing is ever certain at the end of each day.

But what she does know is that in joining Victoria Police, she has been able to give back to her community, while enjoying both job security and job satisfaction at the same time.

You’ll find Darlene stationed out in Robinvale, where she's able to enjoy exactly what she was looking for – a work-life balance.

Some of the benefits of country policing that Darlene enjoys are the short walk to work and enjoying the perks of living near the river on her days off - allowing her to to paddle, fish and camp whenever she likes!

Country policing has a lot to offer, with opportunities for professional development, reduced living costs and flexible rostering (just to name a few).

Oh, and sometimes it means you may even run into some of the more feathery members of the public.

Found:
An Apple iPhone, with this distinctive back cover, was found at the Bendigo Railway Station and handed into the Echuca Police Station. Please call us on 5483 1500 if this phone belongs to you.

Got five? Meet Sergeant Iglay (Iggy)

In his nearly 10 years at Victoria Police – first joining as a PSO before transitioning to a police officer in early 2018 – Iggy Dangassat has certainly made an impression.

With stints across Reservoir, Craigieburn, Flemington, Fawkner, and now Melbourne West, it’s evident in speaking with Iggy that he’s a community man.

“I enjoy serving the members of the public and I try to challenge myself every time I work with the public to leave a positive impact.”

As a Sergeant, he's found joy in supervising team members and mentoring junior members, helping guide them to reach their full potential.

This passion for people is further reflected in one of Iggy’s greatest personal achievements since joining the organisation: being part of the Victorian Police African Employee Network (VICPOLAEN).

VICPOLAEN is a platform for employees of African heritage and allies at Victoria Police to connect, share lived experiences and contribute to policy development on issues relevant to African Australian Victoria Police employees and the African Australian community.

For Iggy, it’s also a safe space which contributes to educating members of non-African heritage and help them understand the culture, which is critical to front-line members when responding to jobs involving African Australian community members.

His decision to join the force was first inspired while working for Justice Health, where he witnessed some of the challenges faced with the African Australian community and understood he had to do more.

“Having visibility of the diversity in our members is significant. Sharing our experiences helps us and those of non-African backgrounds understand the challenges faced by our communities, which in turn allows organisations to implement initiatives that foster better understanding and collaboration.”

VICPOLEAN is one of many employee networks within Victoria Police. Learn more about our commitment to growing a diverse workplace: www.police.vic.gov.au/diversity

Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a burglary in Golden Square on Saturday, 7 September.

It is understood offenders forced entry into a pet store on Belle Vue Road between 12am and 6am.

Police were told several animals, including parrots, fish and birds, were stolen from the business.

The offenders fled the scene.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

A big thanks to everyone that took part in this year’s Community Sentiment Survey, helping us to identify the issues that matter most to you and your local community.

The survey, which ran during the month of May, received more than 13,000 responses.

The key issues identified by the Bendigo community were:
🔐 Safety of property and possessions
👮 Public safety
💉 Drugs and alcohol

Police will work with their partners to come up with initiatives to address your safety concerns in line with our Neighbourhood Policing Framework.

If you completed an online survey, submitted a hard copy survey or were part of the many residents that shared your insights to police while they were on foot patrols, thank you for your involvement.

A career with Victoria Police was not on Constable Bailey Edgerton’s mind when he finished his criminology degree.

He found himself asking ‘Where to from here?’, and it was the lure of a ‘fun and exciting’ job that eventually led him to policing.

With recruits now able to nominate a country location to work in once graduating, Bailey saw it as the perfect opportunity to return to his country roots after a few years away studying and for work.

Born and raised in Horsham, Bailey knows the regional city inside out which has helped him build trust and rapport with the locals he sees on and off duty.

Now over six months in, he’s quickly learned that being a country cop means thinking on your feet and being resourceful.

“One aspect I really enjoy about country policing is getting to work alongside various specialist units, such as the crime investigation unit, family violence investigation unit, and sexual offences and child abuse investigation team.”

His advice to anyone interested in a policing career is to speak to local officers about what the job involves and familiarise themselves with the recruitment process.

If this is you, our upcoming regional police careers expo in Mildura is the perfect opportunity to do just that. Meet and speak with local members about their policing experience and learn more about benefits (there’s plenty!) of country policing on Sunday 15 September.

Event details including how to register, visit > https://policecareers.info/3A1XgNh

Bendigo Highway Patrol officers have charged an 18-year-old man in relation to high risk driving behaviour.

The Bendigo man was located approximately 8:30am on Monday 2nd September 2024 at a York Street, Bendigo address.

The male has been slapped with multiple charges including;

- Dangerous Driving Whilst Pursued by Police
- Drive at a Speed Dangerous
- Exceed Speed by more than 45km/h
- Fail to Stop on Police Direction

The charges relate to a series of alleged incidents that occurred in the Bendigo area on 11th August 2024.

The male was remanded in custody overnight and is expected to face the Bendigo Magistrates Court today - 3rd September 2024.

Adrian POMORSKI is wanted on warrant.

POMORSKI is wanted on warrant for failing to appear in relation to several charges.

He was last known to be living in the Melbourne area, though is current whereabouts is unknown.

Anyone who sights Adrian or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Solo members from the State Hwy Patrol South East were conducting preliminary Breath Testing in Elmore when a 39 year old Colbinabbin man entered the site on a motorcycle.

The rider returned a positive PBT and subsequently returned an alleged reading of 0.109 on a breath test.

The rider's licence was immediately cancelled for 10 months and his motorcycle impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1445.

The rider will receive a summons to attend Court at a later date to answer the drunk driving charges.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locale Deklan Theobold.
A warrant has been issued for the 18-year-old’s arrest in relation to driving and pursuit related offences.
Theobold is about 165cm tall, with a slim build, fair complexion, dark hair, and a moustache.
He is known to frequent the Bendigo area.
Anyone with information on his current whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Police have charged two men following a series of incidents in Goornong, Echuca and the surrounding areas yesterday.

Read more: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/two-charged-following-goornong-crime-spree

Madison is missing.
The 16-year-old was last seen on Upper California Gully Road, California Gully about 3.45pm on 24 August.
Police hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.
Anyone with information on her current whereabouts is urged to contact Bendigo Police Station on 03 5448 1300.

Did you know, not all firewood for sale has been sourced legally?

Firewood theft from public land is a big issue in our region and sadly, stolen timber is often sold on to unsuspecting customers. Avoid supporting illegal operators by asking sellers where their firewood has come from. 🔥🌳🪓

Conservation Regulator Victoria and Parks Victoria are cracking down on illegal firewood operators through Taskforce Ironbark.

Learn more by visiting https://www.vic.gov.au/sourcing-firewood

Police have arrested four people following a series of incidents in Goornong, Echuca and the surrounding areas on 28 August.

Read more: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/four-charged-after-goornong-crime-spree

Anyone with information call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au

What a great Coffee with a Cop event today at Dough Si Dough Bakery in Strathfieldsaye 😀
We were joined by other great organisations including members from Neighbourhood Watch, Crimestoppers and the Lions Club. Our deputy Mayor Matt Evans popped in too. ☕

Many community members enjoyed a catch up over coffee and enjoyed this positive initiative. Hope to see you at the next one.

Escape the unpredictable weather and join us today for our Coffee with a Cop event. 😀
We'll be available for a catch up, along with Neighbourhood Watch Bendigo, at the wonderful Dough Si Dough Bakery in Strathfieldsaye.

Come along on Wednesday 28th August 10am - 11.30am for a free cuppa and a chat. ☕

Hope to see you there 😊

Police detected 155 offences during an ongoing road safety operation across Victoria’s west in August.

The operation saw local officers out across major roads in the state's west this month, targeting high-risk driving behaviour associated with road trauma.

It follows a horror month where 13 lives were lost on roads in Western Victoria during July.

Over the month, officers conducted 321 preliminary breath tests and 41 preliminary oral fluid tests for drugs. Heavy vehicle, seatbelt and speeding offences were also detected.

The operation continues across Western Victoria, encompassing major arterial roads as far as the SA and NSW borders.

For more info > https://www.police.vic.gov.au/operation-west-connect-rolls-following-road-trauma-rise

A great opportunity for local community is the
NHW COMMUNITY MEETING THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT
Please join our monthly meeting at St Francis of the Fields PS Strathfieldsaye at 6.10pm on Wed Aug 28th to meet new friends and understand more about local safety concerns and tips
See www.facebook.com/NHWBendigo/ for more details

Have you heard chainsaws at night? Or seen vehicles and trailers coming in and out of the forest loaded up with firewood outside of collection seasons?

Firewood theft has serious and lasting impacts on the health of our forests, parks and reserves.

Conservation Regulator Victoria and Parks Victoria are cracking down on illegal firewood operators through Taskforce Ironbark.

If you think someone might be selling firewood illegally, or illegally cutting and removing timber from public land you can make an anonymous report by calling us on 136 186.

**This Watch & Act is no longer current. Stay informed: www.emergency.vic.gov.au **

WATCH & ACT - FLASH FLOOD - Stay Indoors
Incident Location: Bendigo
Issue Date: Sunday 25 August 2024, 03:51 pm
Next Update: Sunday 25 August 2024, 05:00 pm

This Flash Flood Watch and Act is being issued for Bendigo.

- Storms are causing localised flash flooding in Bendigo.
- Flash flooding is impacting High Street, Bendigo and the surrounding CBD area.
- Stay clear of water over roads and never drive into flood water.
- There have been reports of hail in the area.

If you are located in Bendigo, you are in danger. You should immediately move indoors, away from floodwater. Do not enter floodwater.

There are strict rules in place about when, where, and what you can collect to protect wildlife habitat and keep our trees and forests healthy. 🌲🐿️🐦

It’s also important, when buying firewood, to know where it comes from to avoid inadvertently supporting illegal firewood theft.

Conservation Regulator Victoria and Parks Victoria are cracking down on illegal firewood operators through Taskforce Ironbark.

If you think someone might be selling firewood illegally, or illegally cutting and removing timber from public land you can make an anonymous report by calling us on 136 186.

Less than a week now until our next Coffee with a Cop event. 😀
We'll be available for a catch up, along with Neighbourhood Watch Bendigo, at the wonderful Dough Si Dough Bakery in Strathfieldsaye.

Come along on Wednesday 28th August 10am - 11.30am for a free cuppa and a chat. ☕

Hope to see you there 😊

Help combat illegal firewood removal and protect our parks and forests by purchasing your firewood responsibly this winter.

Support firewood sellers who source firewood legally. Together, we can make a difference.

Conservation Regulator Victoria and Parks Victoria are cracking down on illegal firewood operators through Taskforce Ironbark.

Learn more by visiting https://www.vic.gov.au/sourcing-firewood

Jamie is missing.

The 37-year-old was last seen in Murrumbeena on Wednesday 14 August.

Jamie is described as male with short dark hair and was last seen wearing blue jeans, blue hoodie, pink and black Chicago bull hat and black shoes.

It’s believed that Jamie may be using public transport to travel to Bendigo or Frankston area and may have a push bike with him.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Caulfield Police Station (03) 9524 9500.

#240321349

Taskforce Ironbark aims to detect and disrupt illegal firewood operations, raise awareness about sourcing firewood lawfully, and promote responsible firewood consumption.

So, here are the rules:
🪓 You can only collect firewood from designated collection areas in state forests during the autumn and spring domestic firewood collection seasons.
🪓 You can collect wood from trees and branches that are already on the ground, are further than 20 metres from a waterway or waterhole, are not visibly hollow, and do not have moss or fungi growing on them.
🪓 When collecting, you can use small equipment, like a chainsaw, axe, or handsaw.
🪓 You can collect two cubic metres of firewood per person per day.

Help combat illegal firewood removal and protect our parks and forests by purchasing your firewood responsibly this winter.

To find out more, start by visiting ➡️ www.vic.gov.au/sourcing-firewood

Report suspicious sellers or firewood theft by calling ☎️ 136 186.