Police briefs

Record offences
A MAN been charged with 69 fraud offences following an investigation by the Victoria Police Fraud and Extortion Squad.
The 60-year-old Mordialloc man was charged on Thursday with numerous counts of theft and deceptions, allegedly totalling $4.9 million.
The offences are alleged to have been committed between 1990 and 2009 in the Emerald and Monbulk areas.
He has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 11 March.

Suspicious fire
POLICE are investigating a suspicious fire in Montrose last week.
It is believed that two youths were hanging around the Heathfield Creek Reserve before a fire started in the grass.
Detective Senior Constable Rod Newbery said the fire burnt a fairly large area.
He said police were seen in the area when the fire was suspected to be started around 5.30pm on 28 February, but no one had come forward with any information.
Anyone with information can contact Lilydale CIU on 9739 2300.

Bus fire probe
A BUS SHELTER fire in Mount Evelyn on Monday night is believed to have been deliberatly set alight.
Police said while there was only minor damage, thanks to quick actions by locals, a fuel source was found at the scene.
A man wearing a black baseball cap and blue T-shirt was seen around the area at the same time as the fire.

Boat stolen
DOES your neighbour all of a sudden have a brand new nine foot catamaran?
Police are looking for a fibreglass catamaran stolen from the front yard of a house in Lilac Rise, Lilydale on Tuesday night.

Beware cyclists
POLICE are reminding both drivers and cyclists to be aware of other vehicles on the road.
Over recent months, police have been called to an increasing number of incidents between cars and bikes.

Head injuries
A MAN sustained head injuries after his head hit the concrete after being attacked outside a Healesville pub on Saturday 1 March.
Detective Senior Cons Rod Newbery said the victim, a 33-year-old from Woori Yallock was outside the Grand Hotel, at 1.30am when he was approached by four men who arrived in a white Toyota.
It is believed the assaulted him before fleeing in their car.
Detective Sen Const Newbery said that the man suffered a serious head injury and was taken to Maroondah Hospital.
Anyone with information on the attack is asked to contact Lilydale CIU on 9739 2300.