Tasmania Police Latest News

Youth charged over property and motor vehicle crimes

Thu, 17 May 2012 10:19:00 +1000

On the 16th of May 2012 members from the Southern and Eastern District Criminal Investigation Branches charged a 16 year old male youth from New Norfolk with 59 charges relating to property and motor vehicle crimes committed over the past two months.

The charges included:

Motor vehicle stealing x 12
Stealing x 9
Motor vehicle burglary x 1
Home burglary x 1
Unlawfully set fire to motor vehicle x 8
Dangerous Driving x 2
Evade Police x 2
Business Burglary x 4

The offences occurred within the Eastern and Southern police districts.

The youth was detained and will appear in the Youth Justice Court on 17/5/2012.

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Collision witnesses sought

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:19:00 +1000

At 4.56pm 15 May 2012 Tasmania Police were notified that a two vehicle collision had occurred on Brooke Street at East Devonport, 1km west from the Port Sorell Roundabout.

The collision occurred between a black 1991 Suzuki motorcycle which was being ridden east by a 41 year old Somerset man and a blue 2010 Toyota Corolla hatch which was being driven west by a 49 year old East Devonport woman.

It is believed that the motorcyclist may have been attempting to overtake another vehicle when the collision occurred.

As a result, the motorcycle collided with the front of the Toyota. The rider was severely injured and was conveyed to the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie where he is listed as being in a critical condition.

The driver of the Toyota was conveyed to the Mersey Community Hospital with minor injuries and released a short time later.

Anyone who may have observed either vehicle prior to the collision or the collision itself is asked to contact the Crash Investigation Section at Burnie Police Headquarters or on 131444.

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Charges after Burnie fire

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:06:00 +1000

Approximately 0130hrs on May 16th 2012 two male youths entered a heritage train carriage; previously owned by Burnie Rail, now maintained by the Burnie City Council; that carriage was parked at the original Burnie Rail Depot, adjacent to Marine Terrance, Burnie.

At that time the pair lit a fire within the carriage, using paper and an accelerant that they located within it.

The subsequent fire engulfed the carriage and spread to the depot building which now houses Baltimore’s Restaurant. The fire destroyed the train and part of the building structure, Tasmania Fire Service, fire Investigators estimate the repair cost to be in the vicinity of $450,000.00.

A group of male were located near the scene of the blaze by members of Burnie Uniform; Detectives from Devonport CIB subsequently attended the scene to undertake the investigation.

As a result two male youths (19yrs and 16yrs) were later arrested and charged with Unlawfully Set Fire to Property as well as drug offences

Detective Senior Constable Scott Poke said “The fire started as a result of the unlawful and reckless actions of the two males and destroyed an irreplaceable icon of the Burnie precinct”

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Police officer to be reinstated

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:17:00 +1000

The Police Review Board has directed the reinstatement of a police officer who was dismissed from the Police Service after recording an alcohol reading of 0.232 following an off-duty car crash.

The Board is an independent statutory body established under the Police Service Act 2003. The Board's functions include determining applications for review in respect to termination of employment.

The employment of the Senior Constable was terminated in February 2012 after reference to the Indicative Sanctions Framework. The Framework was implemented in August 2011 to provide officers a clearer indication as to what to expect in terms of disciplinary action if they are detected drink driving.

“The Indicative Sanctions Framework reinforces that there is a high expectation that police officers will comply with road safety laws both on and off duty, given their role in enforcing these laws,” said the Deputy Commissioner, Scott Tilyard.

Whilst the Board was supportive of the Indicative Sanctions Framework, it was of the view that a fair and just appraisal of the applicant's position and the circumstances of the case do not require that he be dismissed from the Police Service.

The direction by the Board to reinstate includes that the officer's salary level be reduced, backdated to 27 February 2012, and that he remain at the reduced level for two years from that date, and that he not wear the Commissioner's Medal or any insignia indicative of his holding that decoration until after 26 February 2014.

"We must accept the Board's determination as the independent umpire in such matters, and are in the process of identifying a suitable position so that the officer can resume duty as soon as possible," said Mr Tilyard.

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Man charged in relation to Devonport shooting

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:56:00 +1000

Police confirm that a number of searches were conducted in the Devonport area in relation to a 21 year old male being shot on Saturday 12 May 2012 the James Street Devonport.

On the afternoon of 14 May a 26 year old male was interviewed and charged in relation to the incident.

He will appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court on the 15 May 2012, charged with causing grievous bodily harm as well as firearm and drug offences.

The firearm alleged to have been used in the shooting and a quantity of ammunition has been seized.

Investigations are continuing.

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Fatal house fire investigation

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:55:00 +1000

At 3am on Tuesday 15 May 2012, emergency services responded to a house fire at 11 Hookey Place, Rokeby. The house was well ablaze and appears to have started in the lounge room area.

There were four occupants in the house at the time of the fire, three teenagers and an adult female, aged 41. The three teenagers escaped the fire, however, the fourth person did not escape from the house and is deceased.

While members from Operation ICARUS, the Eastern District Criminal Investigation Branch Arson Task Force, are investigating the cause of the death and fire, there is no evidence to suggest the death is suspicious at this stage.

There was one functioning smoke alarm in the house, it was in the room that the teenagers were in, it activated and they escaped from the house.

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Major haul of illegal drugs and firearms

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:21:00 +1000

Tasmania Police has seized illegal drugs with a street value of approximately two million dollars along with a large quantity of firearms and cash following a major investigation across two states.

A Northern District task force was established in November last year to investigate a number of persons of interest whom were believed to be involved in the manufacture and distribution of Methylamphetamine into Tasmania from Victoria.

“The investigation is now in its final stages and has resulted in a large quantity of illegal drugs being seized along with firearms, cash and other items,” said Assistant Commissioner Donna Adams.

“As a result of this investigation five people have been arrested in Victoria and another 10 have been charged here in Tasmania with offences ranging from trafficking in Methylamphetamine and Cannabis, manufacturing and selling Methylamphetamine as well as firearms offences and other matters,” she said.

Investigations are still ongoing and it is expected more persons will be charged as part of this investigation.

“This is a great result. It has disrupted a large scale operation that has supplied methylamphetamine into this state and removed a large number of illegal firearms off the street,” Ms Adams said.

Items seized as part of this investigation are:

Methylamphetamine (approximately 500g in total seized, street value of approximately $2 million)
Cannabis (30 kgs seized)
Firearm (42 recovered from various searches, majority have been reported stolen)
Cash ($330,000.00)
Jewellery (approximately $80,000, majority relating to a Burglary in Launceston in June 2011)
Stolen Property (approximately $10,000)
Abalone (68 in total)

Stabbing incident at Kings Meadows

Mon, 14 May 2012 14:02:00 +1000

A 51 year old man has appeared in the Launceston Magistrates Court charged with murder after the death of a 37 year old man on Sunday.

At approximately 1.45am on Sunday 13 May 2012 Launceston police were called to a report of a disturbance involving two males, one allegedly being stabbed with a knife at a private residence in Kings Meadows.

37 year old Darren John Booth of Kings Meadows died at the scene.

The man has been remanded to reappear at a later date.

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Walk Safely to School Day - Friday 18 May

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:18:00 +1000

Walk Safely to School Day is an annual, national event when all Primary School children will be encouraged to walk and commute safely to school. It is a community event seeking to promote Road Safety, Health, Public Transport and the Environment.

Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:17:00 +1000

Do you know of a program that has reduced crime and violence in your area? Nominations for the 2012 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards, recognising programs to reduce crime and violence in Australia, are now open (closing 29 June).

Armed robbery, Launceston

Sun, 13 May 2012 14:18:00 +1000

At about 11.00pm Sunday 13th May 2012 Launceston police were called to a report of an Armed Robbery at Davies Grand Central located on Wellington Street, Launceston.

A male wearing a balaclava, has entered the store armed with what police believe was a sawn off firearm. The male has demanded money from the three store attendees, who were not injured during the ordeal.

The offender has left the store with an undisclosed amount of cash and was last seen heading along Wellington Street, Launceston on foot.

An extensive police search of the area failed to locate the offender.

The male is described as being approximately 5’8, athletic build, wearing a dark coloured hooded jumper, black balaclava, grey track pants, black gloves and white sandshoes.

Launceston Criminal Investigation Branch is appealing for any further information regarding the Armed Robbery.

Anyone with information can call 63363910 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Ashley Escapee Caught

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:54:00 +1000

At 10.30am Friday 11 May 2012 members of Swansea Police Station located and arrested 18 year old Ashley Detention Centre escapee Samuel Troy Leslie hiding on the beach near Swansea. He was transported to Launceston Police Station by detectives from Launceston CIB and appeared in the Launceston Court of Petty Sessions at 2.15pm.

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Cannabis Seizure

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:03:00 +1000

Members from Western District Drug Investigation Services recently conducted a search of property at Smithton, Circular Head. A large quantity of cannabis was located during this search. The cannabis would have an approximate street value of $300,000.

A 52 year old Smithton man was arrested and charged with offences related to drug trafficking. He is to appear in the Smithton Court of Petty Sessions at a later date.

The seizure is one of the largest recorded on the North West Coastin recent years and coincides with the conclusion of the outdoor cannabis growing season.

It is the result of information provided to police from members of the public. Any persons who may have similar drug related information are urged to contact police directly or via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Fatal Truck Crash Ringarooma Road

Fri, 11 May 2012 08:17:00 +1000

On Thursday 10th May 2012 at about 9.13am a fatal crash has occurred on Ringarooma Road about 2km East of Legerwood. A red International prime mover laden with potatoes has crashed into the rear of a blue Volvo truck that was engaged in road maintenance work. A male road maintenance worker was operating machinery behind the Volvo truck at this time and was crushed between both trucks. He was killed instantly as a result.

The crash is being investigated by police and at this stage speed is not believed to be a factor.

Police are asking any witnesses to contact Northern Crash Investigation on 6336 3936 or leave message on 6336 3701.

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Illegal Divers Detected

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:22:00 +1000

An aerial and marine surveillance operation has detected illegal divers operating in the early hours of the morning within the Tinderbox Marine Reserve. Police had received a number of complaints from the recreational diving community that the fish in the reserve were being depleted by illegal divers. The surveillance flight over marine parks in the southern and eastern coastal and off shore area, made the detection in the early hours of Thursday morning. At this time the flight crew observed a boat with diving gear deployed working in the popular Tinderbox Marine Reserve.

As part of a coordinated operation, the police vessel Vigilant deployed its fast response tender and apprehended two males in a boat, together with a diver in the water within the Reserve. It will be alleged that the crew of the offending boat attempted to throw their catch overboard as police approached.

A search of the boat found a number of undersized abalone and undersized crayfish.

Another vessel was also located unlawfully fishing in the park.

The offending fishermen and diver were issued Marine Infringement Notices and substantial penalties apply.

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House fire at Rokeby

Thu, 10 May 2012 14:28:00 +1000

At approximately 4:15pm on Thursday 10th May 2012, Tasmania Police and Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) responded to a house fire at 2 Benboyd Circle, Rokeby. The fire was extinguished by Fire Officers soon after arrival.

The premises is a private rental property, which at the time of the fire was vacant and had been so for approximately three months.

The cause of the fire is suspicious and the premises sustained extensive fire damage. Damage is estimated at $200,000.

The fire is being investigated by the Eastern District Criminal Investigation Branch.

Police request that any member of the public with information in relation to this fire contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or investigators at the Eastern District CIB on 62302318

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Radio Dispatch Services (RDS) Operations

Thu, 10 May 2012 09:07:00 +1000

There has been no reduction in staff numbers in Radio Dispatch Services. RDS is staffed by 59 Full Time Equivalent positions and that has been the case since 2009.

The role of RDS is to provide the link between the community and the police services they need. RDS staff ensure operational safety is paramount and perform routine database checks where possible. Those include vehicle registration, licence and background checks.

To ensure safety of the community and officers, during exceptionally busy operational periods the RDS supervisor will advise members via radio that RDS is temporarily unable to perform routine checks.

“This is standard operating procedure and has been for many years. Tasmania Police does not accept that operational safety is compromised by these procedures,” said Assistant Commissioner, Donna Adams.

Officers are able to obtain the information in several other ways; via mobile data terminals in police vehicles, through traffic administration staff or Crime Management Units, or they are able to make the checks on return to the station.

“The Police Association accused DPEM of failing to secure a ‘special deal’ with Telstra to ensure constant coverage. There is simply no such deal available to any Telstra customer,” said Ms Adams.

“Staff in Radio Dispatch provide a professional service and to suggest its operational procedures pose a threat to members is both incorrect and undeserved.

“The safety of officers and the community is always a priority and the Association undermines confidence in the service when it suggests otherwise,” said Ms Adams.

Tasmania Police is yet to be formally advised the Association intends to take these issues to the Industrial Commission.

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Missing Person Located

Wed, 09 May 2012 09:57:00 +1000

Please be advised that missing person Mr Castillo-Agostino, last seen in the Devonport area, has been located safe and well this morning.

Tasmania Police wish to thank the public for their valuable assistance in this matter.

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Concern for welfare

Tue, 08 May 2012 16:27:00 +1000

Police are concerned for the welfare of an international tourist visiting Tasmania.

Werner Alexander CASTILLO-AGOSTINO was last seen in the East Devonport area at 4pm on Friday 4 May 2012.

Information suggests that Mr CASTILLO-AGOSTINI is driving a silver Mitsubishi Magna station wagon, with West Australian registration, number 9CZ270.

He is described as approximately 176cm tall, of medium build, with black shoulder length dreadlocked hair. He is of olive complexion, has brown eyes and a full beard. Mr CASTILLO-AGOSTINI is 30 years of age and was last seen wearing jeans and a dark t-shirt. He speaks clear English but has a slight accent.

Police request anyone with information as to Mr CASTILLO-AGOSTINI’S whereabouts to contact Devonport Police on 64217511 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Youth charged with Arson

Tue, 08 May 2012 11:26:00 +1000

On 5th March 2012, the Community Centre situated at Mockridge Road Clarendon Vale was badly damaged by fire. The newly operational $5 million complex sustained approximately $100,000 damage as a result of the deliberately lit fire. Witnesses observed youths running from the complex at the time.

As a result of investigations conducted by the ICARUS Arson Task Force, Eastern District Criminal Investigation Branch, a 13 year old youth from Clarendon Vale was interviewed today.

The youth admitted to lighting the fire that resulted in the building damage and he will be prosecuted in relation to arson and will attend court at a later date.

"Structure fires or Arsons like this, risk the lives of those responding to extinguish the fires," said Detective Lang.

"This fire resulted in the community sustaining substantial loss of money, which in the circumstances could have been substantially worse, had the fire not been quickly extinguished. Fortunately, a youth has been apprehended and further enquiries are occurring in relation to the other youth involved.

"The assistance of the public in resolving this crime was greatly appreciated and was beneficial to the investigation," she said.

Should members of the public have further information in relation to this arson, they are asked to contact Detective Lang at the Eastern District Criminal Investigation Branch on 6230 2318, or Crime Stoppers and leave the information anonymously on 1800 333 000 – there is the possibility of a reward for information provided.

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