Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

ACT Policing has released a face-fit image of a man who allegedly groped a woman in Harrison yesterday.

About 12.40pm (Thursday, 30 January 2025), a woman was walking through a playground in Harrison – near the Harrison Early Childhood Centre and Harrison School – when she was approached by an elderly man who allegedly inappropriately touched her on her breasts and attempted to kiss her.

The man is described as Asian in appearance, with a solid build, grey hair, and a beard.

He was wearing a white button up shirt and jeans at the time of the incident. He was also carrying a silver mobility cane.

Officers attended a short time later and circulated the area, however were unable to locate the man.

Police would urge the man depicted in the face-fit to present himself to the nearest police station.

Anyone who recognises this man, or has information that could assist police, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference number 7965528. Information can be provided anonymously.

UPDATE:  A 30-year-old Banks man was arrested yesterday (Friday, 31 January 2025) in Hume and will face court today (Saturday, 1 February 2025) in relation to this incident. He has been charged with one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

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A 21-year-old Banks man will face the ACT Childrens Court today charged with manslaughter following an incident in 2020.

On 12 April 2020 a gathering occurred at a home in Banks and during the evening a fight occurred where a 46-year-old man was violently assaulted. Police and ACT Ambulance Service paramedics attended the scene however the victim refused further medical treatment and police involvement.

On 25 April 2020 the victim of the assault sought ambulance assistance to his home and a short time later went into cardiac arrest. Despite the efforts of paramedics the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A post-mortem indicated the man’s death was as a result of blunt force trauma and an investigation was commenced. Following this investigation, it was determined not to proceed with charges in relation to this incident.

In 2024, as part of a normal review process of unresolved matters held by ACT Criminal Investigations, the ACT Homicide Squad reviewed this matter. Following the review, the matter was reactivated with a number of lines of enquiry pursued.

Earlier today, police attended a residence in Banks to execute a search warrant.

A 21-year-old man was subsequently arrested and charged with one count of manslaughter. He was also charged with unauthorised possession of a firearm. He will appear in the ACT Childrens Court as he was aged 16 at the time of the offence.

Anyone who has any information about the 2020 incident at the home in Banks is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.  Please quote 6525158. Information can be provided anonymously.

ACT Policing is seeking witnesses and dash-cam footage of a stolen Toyota Corolla that was allegedly being driven erratically in Higgins last week.

On Wednesday (22 January 2025) a white Toyota Corolla bearing ACT registration YDJ59T was stolen from a residence in Evatt.

About 10.25am the following morning (Thursday, 23 January 2025) police responded to reports of the Corolla being driven erratically in Higgins with a tyre blown and travelling on one rim.

A short time later, police located the Corolla on Betts Street, Higgins with several youths surrounding the vehicle.

Police would like to speak with anyone who witnessed or has dash-cam footage of the Corolla being driven erratically in the Higgins area between 10am and 10.30am last Thursday.

Anyone who can assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Alternatively, anyone with footage can report incidents via ACT Policing’s Dangerous Driving online portal. Please quote reference number 7959317.

ACT Policing is seeking to identify two men who are believed to have stolen valuable items from Anaconda, Fyshwick in November 2024.

About 12.45pm on Saturday, 30 November 2024, the two men entered Anaconda where they allegedly took two fish finder devices.

The men then left the store without paying for the items.

ACT Policing is today releasing images to assist in identifying the men involved in the alleged theft.

Police would urge the men to present themselves to the nearest police station.

If you can identify the men, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference number 7914919. Information can be provided anonymously.

ACT Policing is reminding the community of knife possession laws following a recent spike in knife-related incidents across Canberra.

In the past five weeks, police have responded to carjackings, assaults and burglaries involving knives.

On 23 December 2024, two men sitting in a parked car in Macgregor were threatened at knife point by a group who demanded they get out before stealing the vehicle.

In another incident on 31 December 2024, a man was found to be in possession of a 18cm knife after having an argument with his partner at Gungahlin Marketplace.

On 3 January 2025, a 10cm folding knife was found in the bag of a Summernats attendee who told police she had it for protection.

Inspector Nigel Booth said 48 knives had been seized by police in the past five weeks and concerningly, children as young as 13 were found carrying knives.

“We know the devastating consequences that knife crime can have, including serious injury or even death,” Inspector Booth said.

“A knife escalates what is likely already a serious situation and should be treated like dangerous weapons, not a fashion accessory.

“Another concern is that people have been caught carrying knives in crowded places which carries an additional element of risk to the public.”

The public are reminded it is a serious offence to possess a knife in public where a person has no reasonable excuse to do so. ‘Personal protection’ is not a lawful reason to carry a knife. Penalties include fines and imprisonment for up to six months.