Tasmania Police Latest News

New Dunalley Police Residence

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:42:00 -0600

A new police residence at Dunalley has been officially opened, 10 weeks ahead of schedule under the management of the Police Housing Project.

The new residence, which has been funded by the sale of Department of Police and Emergency Management properties identified by the Housing Project as surplus to requirement, brings the standard of living for a country based officer up to current specifications.

With the early conclusion of this project, planning can now begin for the renovation of other police properties including Cygnet, St Mary’s, Smithton and Queenstown.

Youths charged with Stealing Motor Vehicles

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:03:00 -0600

In the early hours of Thursday 23 February 2012, Launceston Police intercepted an unreported stolen Toyota van. The occupants of the vehicle were two 17 year old Launceston youths.

Both youths have been interviewed and charged with a number of crimes including the attempted stealing of a number of motor vehicles and have been bailed to appear in the Launceston Youth Justice court at a later date.

Police are concerned that vehicles are being left insecure. It is timely to remind everyone to ensure your vehicles are locked and any valuables are secure and kept out of sight.

Media & Communications
(03) 6230 2296

Stolen tandem trailer, quad bike and fencing equipment

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:45:00 -0600

Oatlands Police are investigation the stealing of a green tandem trailer, a blue 400cc Yamaha quad bike and a large amount of fencing equipment. The property was stolen over Tuesday night (21/02/12) from a paddock at the junction of Midlands Highway and Mudwalls Road at Jericho.

The property together would be recognizable as the quad bike would be loaded high on the trailer on a rack. With the trailer was a large air compressor, a set of trailer ramps and a 3m long set of truck ramps.

Police would be interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen the property being removed from the area, or is they know of anyone who has just come into possession of property fitting the description of the stolen property.

Any information can be passed to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to the Oatlands Police of 6254 0014. Information relates to Offence Reports 439166 and 439173.

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Police Assistance Line 131 444

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:40:00 -0600

The Police Assistance Line (131 444) is a national number for members of the public to contact police for non-emergencies. For example, call 131 444 to report irresponsible driving or a noisy party. 131 444 calls are charged at a local rate (except for mobiles).

Tasmania Police Charity Trust

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:40:00 -0600

The Tasmania Police Charity Trust was established in December 2006 with a goal of fundraising to provide assistance to members of the community in need, including nominated charities and disadvantaged individuals in Tasmania.

Women charged with Assault

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:07:00 -0600

Hobart Detectives have charged a 42 year old Gagebrook woman in relation to the assault of former MLC Terry Martin who was attacked outside the Hobart Supreme Court last week after being sentenced on Child Exploitation charges.

A second woman involved in the assaults is expected to be charged next week. A lawyer acting for the woman has contacted police and she will present herself by arrangement early next week.

Media & Communications
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Jewellery found at beach

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:09:00 -0600

Police are requesting assistance to locate for the owner of an item of jewellery which was found at Cloudy Bay Beach, Bruny Island on the 6th February 2012, following the Bruny Classic Surfing event.

The ring in question is believed to be valuable, unique and would have sentimental value to the owner.

Any information can be provided by telephone to Const Gavin CASHION, Bruny Island Police 6293 2090 or contact Charmaine BLUE to view the item at the Hobart Property office on 6230 2277.

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(03) 6230 2296

Crime Stoppers Week 20-24 February

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:31:00 -0600

The theme for Crime Stoppers Week 2012 is “See Something, Hear Something, Do Something Anonymously 1800 333 000”. Help Crime Stoppers Tasmania in its mission to assist and support crime solving during Crime Stoppers Week (20-24 February).

Fatal Crash near Hamilton

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 23:22:00 -0600

A 56 year old male from Unanderra in NSW died as the result of a two vehicle crash involving a motor cycle on the Lyell Highway approximately 7 kilometres south of the township of Hamilton at 4pm on Sunday the 19^th day of February 2012.

The crash occurred when a BMW motor cycle travelling in a southerly direction towards New Norfolk lost control whilst exiting a left hand curve. The motor cycle and rider has slid along the road surface and the rider has collided with the front of a white Toyota Hi-Lux utility which was being driven in the opposite direction by a 57 year old male from Hamilton. The driver of the Toyota was not injured.

The rider of the motor cycle (the 56 year old male from Unanderra) died at the scene.

The crash investigator, 1/C Constable Kelly CORDWELL, would like to hear from any member of the public who may have witnessed the crash or seen the vehicles immediately prior to the incident.

Anyone with information in relation to the crash is asked to contact police on 131444.

Media & Communications
(03) 6230 2296

High Risk Driving Behaviour

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:41:00 -0600

On Wednesday the 15^th Feb 2012 Tasmania Police were conducting speed checks near the Bowen Bridge when a 29 year old female was detected at 92km in an 80km zone. The driver was also unlicenced and exceeded the breathalyser limit by recording a reading of .136. An infant was also in the vehicle.

Speeding and Drink Driving are two of the major causative factors that contribute to serious and fatal accidents.

Tasmania Police will continue to conduct traffic operations across the state at all hours of the day and night to ensure that this sort of incident is kept to a minimum.

Media & Communications
(03) 6230 2296

Return to School - Road Safety

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:40:00 -0600

Tasmania Police have stepped up their efforts to ensure that students return to school as safely as possible. The remainder of our states schools return in the next couple of days and motorists are advised to plan their journeys ahead and where possible factor in time for delays and congestion.

“A traffic management plan is in place to ensure that school areas are covered by high visibility patrols over the next couple of days and in the weeks and months that follow,” said Acting Assistant Commissioner Peter Edwards.

A number of traffic operations have already targeted 38 schools zones around the State over the past week and some 40 drivers charged with speeding in those zones. Those operations will continue this week with police concentrating on speeding in the 40km/h zones at schools, parking offences relating to school crossings and pedestrian offences as schools start and finish each day.

Police would also like to remind motorists that when a school bus is displaying a 40km/h speed sign and its orange lights are flashing, the speed limit is 40km/h within 50 meters of that bus, irrespective of what type of road it is on including highways.

“Police will be actively conducting overt and covert operations around school areas throughout 2012, as road safety continues to be one of our highest policing priorities,” Mr Edwards said.

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Grunwaldt investigation moves to Bicheno tip

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:36:00 -0600

Launceston Detectives are currently conducting an excavation of an area at the Bicheno Tip. This is a planned excavation and is in response to information received relating to the possible whereabouts of a push bike which may have belonged to missing person Nancy Grundwaldt.

Nancy Grundwaldt was last seen on March the 12th 1993 riding a pushbike in a southerly direction about 4 kilometres south of Scamander. She has not been seen since and a resulting coronial inquest has resulted in no clear answer to the reason for her disappearance albeit foul play is suspected.

The site is off the Tasman Highway, Bicheno and is known as the Glamorgan Spring Bay Council Waste Management Site.

Media & Communications
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Youth charged with rape

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:34:00 -0600

Today, 9 February 2012, Detectives from Hobart CIB have charged a 14 year old youth with a number of offences arising out of the single incident at Cornelian Bay on 30 January 2012.

The youth, who cannot be named, has been charged with:

Aggravated assault
Rape
Aggravated sexual assault
Indecent assault.

Acting Detective Inspector Craig Joel said "The arrest is the culmination of many hours of diligent work by Hobart Detectives, and a similar commitment by our government partners, including forensic scientists, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and just as importantly, the health and sexual assault support workers who supported the victim after the attack."

Acting Detective Inspector Joel also acknowledged the information provided by the Tasmanian community who rallied to help solve the attack. Police would ask that anyone with information about this attack should ring Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Detective Acting Inspector Joel said "This has been a very difficult time for the young woman, her courage to report the crime has helped police make an arrest. She has been advised of the arrest."

Acting Detective Inspector Joel reiterated his caution that Tasmanians should exercise with family, friends or exercise groups in isolated or less frequented places to reduce the risk of an attack. Police will continue to patrol the Hobart bike and walking track and encourage all Tasmanians to go about their activities in these public spaces.

Acting Detective Inspector Joel said "The youth has been treated in accordance with the provisions and legislative requirements of the Youth Justice Act, and the Children, Young Persons and their Families Act. Bail is opposed on the grounds of the seriousness of the attack."

Media & Communications
(03) 6230 2296

House fire Shorewell Park

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:13:00 -0600

Shortly after 12:00am on Thursday the 9 February 2012 Tasmania Police and Tasmania Fire Service were called to a residence on fire at Turner Crescent in Shorewell Park. On arrival a section of the residence was well alight. It was quickly determined that the residence was vacant. Tasmania Fire Service extinguished the fire quickly, limiting the damage.

The residence is privately owned and used as a rental property. The estimated cost of the damage is $50,000.

Four youths have been questioned in relation to the fire and will be proceeded against by way of the Youth Justice Diversion process.

Media and Communications
(03) 6230 2296

Multiple stealing and burglary charges

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:09:00 -0600

About 2:00am Wednesday 8th February uniform police from Hobart attended the Wellington Centre, corner Argyle and Liverpool Streets, Hobart, in relation to report of men acting suspiciously. Shortly after police apprehended 3three men aged 21, 32, 52, in the vicinity of Wellington Walk.

They were taken into custody and subsequently charged with multiple counts of burglary and stealing, including the attempted stealing of cash from an ATM. The charges relate to the Wellington Centre, Woolworths, and a newsagency.

“Damage caused to the ATM is estimated to be $15,000 in value. No cash was stolen,” said Detective Acting Inspector Craig Joel.

Two of the offenders were bailed to appear in court at a later date. The third offender is to appear in court later today.

Police would like to thank members of the public for their assistance.

Media and Communications
(03) 6230 2296

Fatal crash - update

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:33:00 -0600

Police have released the name of the 30-year-old male passenger killed in the single vehicle crash on the East Tamar Highway at Newnham on Monday the 6th February 2012.

He was Troy Lee Dolbey of Rocherlea.

This morning, members of the Crash Investigation Unit, Criminal Investigation Branch and Search and Rescue officers conducted a search of a residence at Rocherlea, and located the 30-year-old male driver wanted for questioning regarding the fatal crash.

He was interviewed and charged with criminal matters by the C.I.B.

No charges have yet been laid in regard to the fatal crash, and investigations are continuing.

Police also confirm that the 27-year-old male passenger from Rocherlea has also been located and interviewed.

Investigators would like to thank members of the public for information supplied to them through Crime Stoppers. Details provided have assisted in the investigation.

Tasmania Police Media & Communications
(03) 6230 2867

Report on Government Services

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:37:00 -0600

New national figures show Tasmanians are among the most satisfied with their police service.

The latest Report on Government Services shows 75.6% of Tasmanians surveyed were either satisfied or very satisfied with the level of services provided by police over the past year.

The figure represents the second highest satisfaction rate of any Australian jurisdiction.

As well, the report shows Tasmanians’ perceptions of safety continue to rate either the highest or second highest of any jurisdiction.

96.2% of Tasmanians surveyed felt safe or very safe at home alone during the day, and 88.9% after dark.

91.7% felt safe or very safe walking or jogging locally during the day, with 53.7 feeling safe or very safe walking or jogging locally after dark.

The Productivity Commission report is an important accountability tool, providing information to the community on the relative efficiency and effectiveness of government services in each jurisdiction.

According to the report, Tasmania scored well in relation to each of the main performance indicators.

The Tasmanian results from the National Survey of Community Satisfaction with Policing 2010-11 continue to rate the highest or second highest of any jurisdiction.

Tasmanians’ perceptions of police integrity as defined by three separate measures from the National Survey, continued to remain high and well above the national average. These measures include questions about police professionalism, honesty and whether police treat people fairly and equally.

The percentage of Tasmanians who are concerned about ‘speeding cars, dangerous or noisy driving’ in their local neighbourhood has declined compared to previous years and is now comparable with the national average (72.5% compared to 72.2% nationally).

Tasmania’s juvenile diversions as a proportion of juvenile offenders continue to be greater than other jurisdictions (at 60%, up from 58% in 2009-10). This is a positive result as it illustrates the strong commitment to diversionary approaches.

In comparison with the national average, Tasmania Police recorded a higher proportion of investigations finalised at 30 days for most offence types.

In 2010-11 the proportion of prosecutions where costs were awarded against the police was low in all jurisdictions, and especially here, while Tasmania Police received 30 complaints against police per 100,000 people in the year - the second lowest of all jurisdictions.

Media & Communications
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Road Rescue Challenge 2012

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:35:00 -0600

The Tasmania Fire Service will be hosting the Australasian Road Rescue Organisation (ARRO) annual road rescue competitions from 26–29 April 2012 in conjunction with Ambulance Tasmania, State Emergency Service and Tasmania Police.

Back to School - High Visibility Operations

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:11:00 -0600

Police will be conducting high visibility operations in school zones around commencement and conclusion of the school day as schools resume.

Speeding, parking (unsafe locations) and compliance with pedestrian crossings are some of the issues being addressed.

“Policing these activities is not limited only to the return-to-school period, said Acting Assistant Commissioner Peter Edwards.

“Higher priority is given to these areas at this time, but police will be conducting further high visibility operations randomly throughout the school year.”

All motorists are reminded of the 40km/h speed limit enforced in school zones. Drivers must also slow to 40km/h within 50 metres of a school bus which has flashing warning lights.

“These reduced limits are enforced for the motorists’ benefit, to make it easier to stop suddenly or unexpectedly,” Mr Edwards said.

Media & Communications
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Damage to Cars West Hobart

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:51:00 -0600

Police are investigating damage caused to vehicles in West Hobart between 7.00pm Monday 6th February and 8.30am Tuesday 7th February 2012. Four vehicles were damaged while parked on Goulburn Street, West Hobart

Each vehicle had a passenger side panel damaged. Constable Elise CLARK, Hobart Police Station, stated “The damage to the vehicles is consistent with a person kicking the passenger side doors.”

Police wish to thank the public for their assistance so far. Anyone with information, or who may have seen or heard any suspicious activity in the Goulburn Street area around this time, is encouraged to contact Constable Elise CLARK on (03) 62302111 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Media & Communications
(03) 6230 2296