Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: ACT Police

On Friday, 12 July 2024, a 94-year-old man was located deceased at Clare Holland House.

On 29 April 2024, the 94-year-old was sentenced by the ACT Supreme Court to a term of imprisonment for the murder of his wife in 2023. At the time of his death, he was a sentenced prisoner.

In April 2024, the man was transferred to a medical facility as he was suffering terminal cancer.

There are no suspicious circumstances in relation to his death, and police will submit a report to the Coroner.

Source: ACT Police

ACT Policing, the African Australian Advocacy Centre (AAAC), and the African Australian Council ACT (AACACT) met today to discuss community concerns in relation to a recent incident.

Representatives of Canberra’s diverse African communities and ACT Policing discussed how we can work together to improve relationships between the police and African people in Canberra.

As a result of these discussions, both community members and ACT Policing agreed that improving representation of African people within ACT Policing ranks, and of the broader AFP is a shared goal.

Additionally, it was agreed that we can start slowly by working together to give African communities opportunities to get to know their police better and how to raise issues of concern.

ACT Policing will also work with community to improve its cultural literacy, including through more regularly scheduled meetings, and the identification of training opportunities for police.

Deputy Chief Police Officer Doug Boudry said today was an opportunity to strengthen relationships between police and the African community, and ensure everyone was able to voice their concerns and be heard.

“This was an opportunity to explain to community the circumstances surrounding this incident, while also hearing and understanding their perspectives,” Deputy Chief Police Officer Boudry said.

“In hearing the communities’ concerns, I am confident we will learn and grow together, and it was particularly beneficial for us to learn more about the perspectives of African Australians when dealing with police.”

President of the AACACT Ms Yvette Poudjom Djomani noted that this was the first step in improving the relationships between police and the African community.

“We appreciate ACT Policing reaching out and taking the time to meet with us,” Poudjom Djomani said.

“This is a good first step in improving our mutual understanding and relationships.

“We want police and the broader community to understand the diversity of the Africans in Canberra and the positive contributions we make to society.”

Chair of the AAAC Noel Yandamutso Zhihabamwe emphasised that it was important to get together today, and that this was a productive meeting.

“African people in Australia feel like they are living under a siege of racism,” Yandamutso Zhihabamwe said.

“Having time to discuss our concerns with Doug today demonstrates that ACT Policing are committed to improving their understanding of our concerns and working with us.

“We look forward to the outcome of the review of this incident that is under way.”

Source: ACT Police

A 37-year-old man who was alleged to have committed family violence offences in 2021 has been extradited to the ACT to face court.

In March 2021 the man was alleged to have committed common assault, property damage, and take a motor vehicle without authority offences, with the victim being the man’s partner at the time.

The man was arrested the next day and received bail to appear at a later date. He failed to appear, and a warrant was issued for his arrest in February 2022.

He was subsequently charged in NSW with serious offences. He spent a significant period of time on remand for those offences and was then released on parole.

Op Pemberton (part of ACT Policing’s Family Violence Unit) liaised with NSW Police Domestic Violence High Risk Offenders Team and the 37-year-old was arrested on Thursday (11 July 2024) in Sydney.

His extradition was approved yesterday (Friday, 12 July 2024) and he was transported to Canberra.

He is scheduled to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court today (Saturday 13 July 2024) to face the existing charges from 2021 as well as charges relating to his failing to appear in court.

ACT Policing will continue to pursue all family violence offenders who flee interstate. Op Pemberton is liaising with its interstate partners to ensure anyone who has fled interstate is apprehended and brought before the court.

Note for journalists: Broadcast quality video of the extradition can be downloaded from Hightail. (This link will expire in seven days).

Source: ACT Police

A 79-year-old man has been extradited from Queensland and will face court today in relation to historic child sex offences.

Investigators from ACT Policing’s Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team will allege the man sexually assaulted a child known to him between 1987 and 1993.

The man was arrested on Wednesday (10 July 2024) by Queensland Police in Brisbane and was extradited to the ACT last night.

He will face the ACT Magistrates Court today (Friday, 12 July 2024) charged with three counts of committing an act of indecency upon a person under the age of 16 and one count of incest.

There is no statute of limitations for sexual offences in the ACT and it is never too late to report.

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, you can report to police by attending a police station or calling ACT Policing Communications on 131 444. You can also submit an online report for historical sexual assault for incidents that occurred more than six months ago.

The ACT Policing website has a dedicated section for victims of sexual assault, with information and a range of advice and details of support options.

Source: ACT Police

ACT Policing has confirmed details of a second vehicle believed to have picked up two people involved in a fatal collision on Adelaide Avenue in April, 2024.

About 4.55am on Wednesday, 17 April 2024, police and emergency services were called to Adelaide Avenue, near State Circle, after a white Toyota Camry left the roadway, collided with a concrete barrier, and was subsequently located on its roof in the middle of the road.

One occupant, a 15-year-old boy, was ejected from the vehicle and was transported to hospital. He later died from his injuries.

Following a call to identify two occupants and a second vehicle last month, police can today confirm a stolen black Genesis GV80 SUV is believed to have picked up the two people from the collision scene soon after the incident occurred.

The stolen Genesis GV80 was located partially burnt out in Theodore on the same day as the fatal collision.

Forensic testing of both the Camry and the Genesis has led investigators to conclude that the deceased was not driving the Camry at the time of the fatal collision, and that one of the two people picked up by the Genesis was the driver of the Camry.

Detective Sergeant Jonathon Turkich from ACT Policing’s Major Collision Team said police were closing in on the two people believed to have survived the April collision.

“The information gathered by our investigative team is leading us towards two particular suspects,” Detective Sergeant Turkich said.

“To those people, I would say now is the time to come forward and take responsibility for your involvement in this tragic incident.

“I understand it is difficult, it must be incredibly stressful to live in fear around your involvement in the death of someone you likely knew as a friend.

“But make no mistake, this will not be going away.”

ACT Policing is renewing calls for the two people who were in the Camry when it collided with the wall to come forward. Police are also seeking anyone who saw the Genesis SUV on the morning of 17 April, 2024 to contact Crime Stoppers.

Anyone who can assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote 7726381. Information can be provided anonymously.

Source: ACT Police

ACT Policing has launched a City Safe campaign to address criminal and anti-social behaviour in the City and immediate surrounds.

On Monday (8 July 2024), members from across ACT’s five stations, Road Policing, and the Proactive Intervention & Diversion team commenced the high visibility operation – targeted towards addressing criminal acts in Canberra’s CBD.

Devised by ACT Policing in collaboration with the ACT Government, the campaign will focus on policing licenced premises, local businesses, and high foot traffic areas in the City and Braddon.

The operation has been established following concerns raised by local businesses regarding criminal and anti-social behaviour.

Every day, police respond to assaults, disturbances, drug incidents, property damage, robbery, sexual assault, theft and burglary in the City and Braddon areas.

ACT Policing Chief Police Officer Deputy Commissioner Scott Lee said that the launch of this campaign serves as a reminder to the community that criminal acts will not be tolerated.

“Everyone in the community has a right to feel safe, and to see these sorts of incidents occurring on a regular basis in one of the busiest precincts within the ACT is very disappointing,” Deputy Commissioner Lee said.

“Recently, I met with City business owners and operators who raised their concerns about the number of people engaging in criminal and anti-social behaviour.

“Criminal acts and anti-social behaviour significantly impacts the community, affecting their sense of safety within the community.

“This operation will see a high visibility police presence in the City and immediate surrounds, with the focus being on addressing these behaviours.

“Officers attached to the operation will be out and about, engaging with shopkeepers to identify and address incidents as they occur.

“We certainly want people to enjoy all that Canberra’s CBD has to offer, but in a responsible and considerate manner.

“Throughout the lead up to and duration of this operation we have, and will continue to, work closely with ACT Government and support services to ensure the City can be enjoyed safely by all.”

Minister for Police and Crime Prevention Mick Gentleman said the safety of the community was always the Government’s top priority.

“This campaign is a good opportunity to remind everyone of their responsibilities when they are out and about in our City precinct,” Minister Gentleman said.

“The operation will address local businesses’ concerns regarding crime and anti-social behaviour in the area and will assist in ensuring the community feels safe when coming to Canberra’s CBD.

“In collaboration with police, the ACT Government are committed to providing continued support services to address non-policing aspects of this initiative. This includes supporting community members impacted by homelessness, mental health conditions, alcohol, substance abuse and providing referrals to relevant support services.

“We look forward to working with police across the next month to address community concerns, ensure the safety of Canberrans, and ultimately maximise the outcomes of this campaign.”

Source: ACT Police

Updated at 3.35pm, Friday 26 July 2024

ACT Policing is investigating a third incident where a man was allegedly assaulted by a group after he was lured to a location using a dating app.

About 4am on Saturday (20 July 2024), a man arrived at an address on Investigator Street in Red Hill where he was allegedly assaulted by a group of 5-8 people wearing face coverings.

This is the second alleged assault involving a group on the same night at the same location in Red Hill. Police believe all three alleged assaults are linked.

ACT Policing takes incidents such as these very seriously and urge anyone who may have information about these incidents, or other similar incidents, to contact police on 131 444.

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ACT Policing is investigating two assaults that are believed to be targeted attacks by a group of men after their victims were lured to locations using a dating app.

On Tuesday morning last week (16 July 2024), police received a report from a man who had attended a residence on Ada Norris Avenue, Denman Prospect to meet a person he’d connected with on a dating app earlier that morning. Outside the residence, he was approached by four people who allegedly assaulted him, however he was able to leave the scene on his motorbike soon after.

Police believe his helmet and gloves were stolen by the alleged offenders. The man did not require hospitalisation, and provided a statement to police.

A second incident occurred at about 2.30am on Saturday (20 July 2024) after a man had agreed to meet another man at a residence on Investigator Street, Red Hill using the same dating app.

Shortly after the man arrived at the residence, a group of 7-8 men appeared and allegedly began assaulting him. During the assault, the group allegedly shouted homophobic slurs at the victim, as well as demanding money and attempting to take his wallet and keys.

The man was able to escape, but was allegedly pursued on foot by the group, who continued the assault in front of another residence on Investigator Street, before the man was able to fight the group off on Discovery Street.

Following the incident, the group also allegedly damaged the man’s car.

About 1pm on Saturday, 20 July 2024, the man presented to hospital for treatment on injures sustained during the assault, and reported the matter to police.

Police are considering whether the same alleged offenders are involved in both incidents.

Police are also urging people who are meeting face-to-face for the first time via dating apps to meet in a public place, such as a caf, restaurant, or shopping centre.

We would encourage anyone who has information about these incidents in Denman Prospect and Red Hill, or any other similar incidents where people may have been targeted due to their sexual orientation, to come forward.

Police would especially like to speak to anyone who lives in the area of Ada Norris Avenue, Denman Prospect or Investigator and Discovery streets, Red Hill who may have witnessed the incidents, or who may have CCTV footage that captured the incidents.

Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers, quoting reference 7800123 (Denman Prospect) or 7803814 (Red Hill).

Source: ACT Police

Homemade firearms and drugs seized following investigation into Mawson home invasion

Source: ACT Police

A 19-year-old Weetangera man has been charged with multiple offences following an investigation into recent shop burglaries.

At about 3.35 am last Tuesday 16 July (2024) a group of people attended the Post Office at the Lanyon shops and entered by smashing the glass entry door. They then stole the cash till from this premises.

Soon after, police believe this same group attended a petrol station in Wanniassa where they attempted to gain entry, again by smashing the front door. At this venue they were unsuccessful however caused significant damage.

Following an investigation by the Proactive and Intervention and Diversion Team, a 19-year-old Weetangera man was arrested on Saturday night (20 July 2024) and charged with joint commission burglary, joint commission theft, attempt aggravated burglary – intent to commit theft and possession of stolen property.

Investigations regarding the identities of the other offenders are continuing.

Anyone who can assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.

Source: ACT Police

A 61-year-old man will face the ACT Magistrates Court today after allegedly keeping his partner forcibly confined in their home and assaulting her.

About 10.30pm on Saturday (20 July 2024), the man and his partner got into a verbal argument after he consumed several alcoholic drinks.

He demanded she leave the residence but after she agreed, he barricaded the door and allegedly refused to let her leave.

Police also allege the man then assaulted his partner by shoving and choking her repeatedly.

The woman was able to contact emergency services using her smart watch and police arrived a short time later.

He was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated common assault, forcible confinement, and choking, suffocating or strangling another person.

If you are experiencing family violence or know someone who is, the following services are available:

ACT Domestic Violence Crisis Service 02 6280 0900

Canberra Rape Crisis Centre 02 6247 2525

YWCA Canberra Domestic Violence Support Service 02 6185 2000

ACT Government family violence services