Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

ACT Policing is again reminding the public to be cautious when selling second-hand items as reports continue to be received about sellers handing over goods without being paid.

ACT Policing’s Proactive Policing Team is currently investigating a group of individuals who have allegedly scammed sellers out of their items.

Some of these individuals have been charged and are currently before the court but there are others who are continuing to scam members of the public.

Items that have been handed over without the seller being paid include vehicles and other items of value.

In most instances, the individuals use fraudulent transfer receipts or cancel electronic payments once the item has been exchanged.

ACT Policing is urging Canberrans who sell items online via popular platforms to never hand over goods until payment has been received – ideally in cash. Funds deposited in bank accounts should be verified by checking the seller’s account – and not relying on the buyer’s transaction evidence.

Warning signs include a buyer willing to buy an expensive product without viewing it in person and the payment to the person not matching the identity of the account holder.

ACT Policing suggest electronic payments be made using instant transaction methods such as PayID or Osko.

Exchanges of items should be made at public places, with sellers taking note of details of the buyer, including their name via a form of identification, or vehicle registration.

Investigations into the group’s activities are continuing and additional charges are expected to be laid.

Anyone who believes they have been a victim of a similar incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.

For further information regarding scams, including warning signs, visit ScamWatch.gov.au

ACT Policing is seeking to identify a man following an incident in Dunlop earlier this month.

About 5:30pm on Sunday 8 June (2025), a person was walking their dog on a bike path between Ginninderra Drive and Evelyn Owen Crescent in Dunlop. A man approached them and yelled aggressively and made unsolicited and derogatory remarks to them. The dog walker fled the area and contacted police.

They later met with specialist staff at AFP Forensics who compiled a face-fit image of the man.

ACT Policing is today releasing this image to assist in identifying the man.

Officers would also like to speak with any other persons who may have been approached by the man in the Dunlop, Charnwood and Macgregor areas.

Anyone who can assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.  Please quote 8070914. Information can be provided anonymously.

A 25-year-old woman from Jacka is the second person charged in relation to the shooting of a man in North Lyneham in March.

On 21 March (2025) ACT Policing was called to assist ACT Ambulance Service paramedics in Florey who were responding to a man who had received minor wounds from shotgun pellets.

After speaking to the man, police attended a residence in North Lyneham and a 24-year-old man who was nearby was taken into custody in relation to the shooting incident. He was subsequently charged with discharge a firearm – endanger life and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

ACT Criminal Investigations officers continued to investigate the matter and yesterday (Monday, 23 June 2025) arrested 25-year-old woman from Jacka. She was charged with aid/abet attempt aggravated robbery and being knowingly concerned in the discharge of loaded arms at another person.

Anyone who has information about the shooting incident in North Lyneham in March is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.  Please quote 8001510. Information can be provided anonymously.

ACT Policing has charged two men and is seeking further witnesses to a brawl where patrons and staff were allegedly assaulted at the Hopscotch bar in Lonsdale Street, Braddon early on Sunday morning.

About 2:30am on Sunday (22 June 2025) a group of interstate OMCG members were involved in a brawl in Hopscotch Bar that saw two patrons and and two Hopscotch staff assaulted.

Two men fled the scene upon police arrival with a 40-year-old Tarneit (VIC) man arrested after a lengthy foot pursuit to City Walk. He is scheduled to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court today (Monday, 23 June 2025) charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, joint commission assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray, common assault and resist a Territory official.

ACT Criminal Investigations Taskforce Invidia members attended Hopscotch Bar on Sunday to review CCTV footage – identifying five known interstate Finks OMCG members participating in the early morning incident.

Taskforce Invidia members with the assistance of AFP Canberra Airport and general duties officers attended the Canberra Airport yesterday and arrested a 28-year-old Mickleham (VIC) man in relation to the brawl. He was charged with affray and common assault and will also face the ACT Magistrates Court today.

ACT Policing continues to target and investigate unlawful OMCG activity in the ACT region.

Anyone who witnessed the incident (who has not already spoken to police) or anyone who has information about the activities of OMCGs in the ACT is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.  Please quote 8083713. Information can be provided anonymously.

A 39-year-old Mawson man has been charged after allegedly committing multiple offences against his partner.

Police allege that the man began harassing the woman in December 2024, and over the course of this year police allege the man subjected the woman to numerous assaults.

The woman reported the matter to police on Thursday 19 June 2025. Police executed a search warrant at the man’s residence in Mawson on Friday 20 June.

The 39-year-old man, who was paroled in April, was subsequently arrested and taken to the ACT Watch House.

He will face the ACT Magistrates Court today charged with a number of offences including aggravated assault, choke, suffocate and strangle another person, sexual intercourse without consent and using a carriage service to menace and harass.

ACT Policing stands ready to assist victims experiencing family violence.

If you are in this situation – when it is safe to do so – please contact police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency, or contact a support service who can assist with crisis support, safety planning and advice.

If you require assistance, you can contact:

• Triple Zero (000) in an emergency or life-threatening situation.

• Police Assistance on 131 444 if it is a non-emergency, but you require police assistance.

• The Domestic Violence Crisis Service provides a 24-hour crisis line, advice, safety planning and information every day of the year and can be reached on 02 6280 0900.

• The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre provides a 24-hour crisis line and can be contacted on 02 6247 2525

ACT Policing is reminding Canberrans to be prepared when travelling to the mountains and to the snow this winter.

With winter in full swing, many Canberrans are expected to visit the Brindabella Mountains for snow activities and four wheel driving.

ACT Policing is urging drivers to be well-prepared to ensure their safety during trips to the mountains.

Leading Senior Constable Angus Fergusson is advising Canberrans to ensure they have the right vehicle, equipment, and experience before heading to the mountains.

“Inexperienced drivers are often at risk of getting into trouble,” said LSC Fergusson.

“It’s important to check road conditions and road closures. Drivers should take appropriate clothing, food and water supplies and inform someone about their plans.

“Drivers should turn their headlights on so others can see you, be observant, ensure their vehicle is mechanically sound, and adjust their speed based on road conditions.”

Drivers should check turning areas to ensure the road or ground is firm enough to drive on.  Travel with others so they can assist if you get into trouble.