Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

An 87-year-old southeast NSW man has been issued with a summons to attend court in the ACT in relation to multiple alleged historical sexual offences.

Earlier this year, a woman provided a report to police regarding multiple alleged sexual assault incidents that occurred while she was in primary school and attending violin lessons at what was known as the Canberra School of Music, the Canberra Institute of the Arts and then the ANU School of Music in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Following an investigation by Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team officers, the man was identified currently residing in a southeast NSW town. Officers travelled there last month to speak with the man, and a summons to attend court was served yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, 1 October 2025).

He is scheduled to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court on 23 October (2025) where he will be formally charged with multiple counts of sexual assault on a child under 10 and acts of indecency on a child under 10.

Police are urging any victims of sexual assault to report these criminal activities.

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, you can report to police by attending a police station or calling 131444.

You can also submit an online report for historical sexual assault for incidents that occurred more than six months ago.

If your report relates to this matter, please quote 8045268

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

ACT Policing has launched Operation RETAIL, a month-long campaign to address anti-social behaviour and retail theft within Canberra’s shopping precincts.

Today (Wednesday, 1 October 2025) members from ACT Policing as well as retail managers, security providers and external agencies launched the operation at the Canberra Outlet in Fyshwick.

Devised by ACT Policing and retailers, the operation will focus on deterring anti-social behaviour, reducing retail theft, enhancing public perceptions of safety and improving business safety and security.

The operation has been established in response to intelligence and stakeholder feedback identifying an increase in thefts particularly of alcohol, spray paint and retail goods alongside instances of disorderly conduct. In some cases, staff are being physically assaulted and verbally abused when challenging alleged offenders.

During October, Canberrans can expect to see increased patrols of shopping centres and other retail outlets, police working with loss prevention officers, and engagement with business owners and operators to provide crime prevention advice.

Detective Acting Superintendent Anthony Brown said that the campaign launch serves as a good reminder that retail theft is a continuing issue and that criminal activity will not be tolerated.

“Shoplifting or theft offences can be opportunistic crimes but we are also seeing organised and coordinated networks of offenders operating in the ACT. We are working with business owners and employees to take proactive steps to reduce the opportunities for thieves,” Detective Active Superintendent Brown said.

“We are also providing advice and assistance to retailers when individuals threaten or assault staff.

“Importantly, this month of action will specifically target those individuals who think they can steal items and when challenged, abuse and intimidate retail staff.”

Quote attributable to Canberra Outlet Centre Manager, Brianna Nix

Canberra Outlet is proud to support our ongoing partnership with ACT Police during their Month of Action. By working together in a coordinated effort, we are helping to deter anti-social behaviour, reduce retail theft, strengthen safety measures for our retailers and customers at our centre and across the ACT. A secure welcoming environment is at the heart of our shopping centre and this initiative reinforces our shared commitment to building community confidence and ensuring a positive experience for everyone.

Quote attributable to Coles General Manager, Ivan Slunjski

Despite record levels of investment in technology, security guards and safety training, our team and customers are still faced with unacceptable levels of abuse and threatening behaviour. No one deserves to feel unsafe while at work or while shopping, and this issue must continue to be a focus throughout the entire industry.

Quote attributable to Woolworths’ Head of Acts of Violence and Aggression Prevention, Sarah Faorlin

Last year we recorded more than 6,100 violent and aggressive incidents across the country, up 26% on the year before. Addressing this unacceptable rise in violence and aggressive behaviour towards our store teams requires a joined up approach across industry, police and government.

We appreciate the active approach by the ACT Police taskforce to combat increased levels of theft and violence in retail, and we thank the ACT Government for introducing Workplace Protection Orders to help keep out high harm offenders. We’ll continue working closely with both police and ACT Government and look forward to further collaboration in the future.

Two people have been charged following an overnight pursuit across multiple Canberra suburbs.

Police first noticed a silver Nissan SUV speeding and driving on the wrong side of the road at the intersection of Springvale Drive and Belconnen Way at about 1.40am this morning (Tuesday, 30 September 2025).

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle on Shumack Street after recording the vehicle driving at 100km/h in a 60km/h zone. The SUV failed to stop, and it was subsequently pursued by multiple police vehicles.

The pursuit proceeded across multiple parts of Canberra, with the Nissan SUV repeatedly speeding, ignoring traffic signals and driving on the wrong side of the road.

After stop sticks were deployed and all four tyres were deflated, the SUV was brought to a halt on Yamba Drive at about 3AM when it collided with two police vehicles.

Four people were removed from the Nissan with one of them subject to an existing arrest warrant. Enquiries relating to the other two passengers are continuing.

The 18-year-old male driver, who was on bail for similar alleged offending, was charged with dangerous driving, fail to stop for police, drive while disqualified, breach of a good behaviour order and breach of bail. He is expected to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court today.

UPDATE 7:40pm, Monday 29 September 2025

Good news Canberra, the missing 46-year-old woman we posted about earlier this evening has been found. Thanks for the shares.

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ACT Policing is seeking the public’s assistance to locate missing 46-year-old woman Julia Noveski.

Julia has not been seen or heard from since 3:15pm today, 29 September 2025, and was last seen at the Mount Pleasant lookout.

She is described as Caucasian in appearance, about 164cm (5’4”) tall, with short brown hair and a large build.

She was last seen wearing a red or black top and blue pants.

Julia may be travelling on foot in the bush or in surrounding suburbs. She has a medical condition that may result in her becoming unconscious.

Police and Julia’s family hold concerns for her welfare, and are requesting the public’s assistance to locate her.

Anyone who has seen Julia, or who may have any information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact ACT Policing on 131 444. Please quote reference number P2385687. Information can be provided anonymously.