OLINDA police are calling on witnesses to a break-in at a local liquor store.
Sergeant Paul Phillips said police believed that someone had jimmied the door open before stealing the til draw and an unknown amount of cash from the Olinda Cellars.
“We have witnesses saying they saw two men hanging around the back of the building that night,” he said.
“If anyone else saw the two, or has any information they are asked to call Olinda Police on 9751 1241.”
A CROYDON man has been caught driving disqualified for a staggering fifth time.
Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol Senior Constable Aiden Williams said the 26-year-old was caught driving along Poyner Avenue in Lilydale on Wednesday.
The man had the car he was driving impounded for 30 days and he was fined $813. It is believed the car is not his.
He is expected to face Ringwood Magistrates Court in January for four previous offences.
POLICE charged seven drink drivers and two drug drivers after a booze bus blitz on Friday night.
The operation targeting drink and drug drivers, saturated the Yarra Ranges, included two booze buses set up in Swansea Road, Mount Evelyn and satellite cars in surrounding areas like Healesville and Yarra Junction.
Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol Senior Constable Aiden Williams said tests at the booze buses found two drug drivers, three drink drivers and one suspended driver.
Satellite cars conducted 830 Random Breath Tests (RBT) and 80 drug tests and found four drink drivers and 32 other offences.
“It’s always disappointing to see the message still isn’t getting through to some people,” Sen Cons Williams said.
“People are still miscalculating how many drinks they can have before they drive.
“But if you think your over the limit, you probably are.”
A RINGWOOD panel beater has been charged with handing stolen goods after police found he had dismantled a stolen car.
Lilydale Detective Sergeant Mark Smithwick said police were able to get a search warrant after a routine investigation for a stolen VE SEE Holden Commodore.
The 45-year-old man from Kilsyth was charged with Theft of Motor Car and Handling Stolen Goods.
He will appear before the Ringwood Magistrates Court at a later date.
POLICE are calling on witnesses to a home invasion in Chirnside Park.
Detective Sergeant Mark Smithwick said four people were asleep in their Edward Road home on Thursday 11 December when they were woken by a man who punched and kicked them demanding money not long after 1am.
It is believed three unknown offenders entered the home; one threatened the residents with a meat clever.
All men wore black balaclavas covering their faces and left with only one mobile telephone.
“One victim was taken to Maroondah Hospital with chest pain and some minor abrasions and soreness,” he said.
“Anyone with information should contact Detective Senior Constable Lisa Mitchell at the Lilydale Police Station on 9739 2300.”
POLICE are investigating a suspicious fire that has left the Mooroolbark Junior Soccer Club without clubrooms.
Detective Senior Constable Matt Gill said police believed that someone had broken into the clubrooms not long before 1am on Thursday 5 December before starting a fire.
“The fire has taken hold and gotten into the roof,” Det Sen Cons Gill said.
“It’s wrecked the clubrooms and left the junior club without clubrooms.”
A club spokesman said the damage was believed to exceed $100,000.
“At this point we’ve lost more than 150 balls, the uniforms, the goals and most of our sales merchandise all from smoke damage,” he said.
“The kids are just shocked.”
He said while it was disappointing, the fire wouldn’t stop the club starting back when the season starts in March.
“The only saving grace is that it’s happened in the off season,” he said.
Det Sen Con Gill said police were calling on anyone with information about the fire, or if they say anyone acting suspiciously near the clubrooms to contact police 9739 2300.
