Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: ACT Police

ACT Policing continues to support the victims of family violence incidents with more than 70 arrests made in November.

Associated with the arrests – 185 charges were laid, with assault and breach of family violence orders accounting for a majority of the charges.

Victims were referred to emergency crisis support provided by ACT Domestic Violence and Crisis Support and will receive ongoing assistance from ACT Policing’s Family Violence Unit and ACT Policing Victim Liaison Officers.

Officer in Charge of ACT Policing’s Family Violence Unit, Inspector Dave Williams, said these figures were not unusual to see each month for this crime type.

“Unfortunately, seeing a high volume of arrests and charges laid relating to family violence offences is not uncommon,” Inspector Williams said.

“Police respond to various forms of family violence each day including assault, sexual assault, property damage, and threats.

“We understand how confronting and scary each incident can be, and we urge victims experiencing any form of family violence to come forward.

“You are not alone. Police and other support services are available and in place to assist victims of this awful crime.”

Police take all reports of family violence seriously, and continue to investigate all forms of offending to ensure victims and the community are kept safe and offenders are held accountable.

If you are a victim of family violence or believe someone you know is the victim of family violence, you can contact police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency, or attend any police station. You can also make a report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.

The following support services are also available:

ACT Domestic Violence Crisis Service 02 6280 0900

Canberra Rape Crisis Centre 02 6247 2525

YWCA Canberra 02 6185 2000

ACT Government family violence services

Source: ACT Police

A 23-year-old man from Stirling will face the ACT Magistrates Court after being caught more than three times the legal alcohol limit. 

About 10.45pm on Friday, 8 December 2023, police conducted a traffic stop on a Toyota Hilux on Streeton Drive, Weston. 

The man underwent a breath screening test which was positive. He was subsequently transported to Woden Police Station, where he returned a breath analysis of 0.180 grams of alcohol per 210 L of breath. 

The driver was issued an immediate suspension notice, suspending his right to drive in the ACT for 90 days. 

The man will face the ACT Magistrates Court at a later date charged with drink driving.  

ACT Policing is urging drivers to plan ahead before a night out heading into the festive season, as penalties can and will be imposed on those caught drink driving.

Source: ACT Police

A 33-year-old Forde man will face court in January (2024) following an incident on the Majura Parkway earlier this month.

On Friday, 1 December (2023), ACT Road Policing officers were travelling south on the Majura Parkway when they were allegedly passed at speed by a motorbike with one rider onboard.

Police activated their lights and siren and the rider indicated he would pull off the road, however he failed to do so. Soon after he exited onto Fairbairn Avenue where he allegedly proceeded through the intersection against the lights and then travelled down an adjacent bike path. Due to concerns for community safety, the pursuit was terminated.

Subsequent investigations led police to identify the rider and on Thursday (7 December 2023) the 33-year-old was arrested at a building site in north Canberra.

He was charged with eight offences including fail to stop for police, unlicenced driving, using an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, speeding, dangerous driving, not keeping left, not stop at lights and drive in a bike lane. The man received police bail and will face the ACT Magistrates Court in January.

Source: ACT Police

Three men will face court following the discovery of the largest illegal controlled and prescription drug distribution network ever identified in the ACT and Victoria.

In August 2023 a joint investigation with Victoria Police was commenced to identify and disrupt a criminal group allegedly distributing significant quantities of controlled and prescription drugs including Xanax, Valium, anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, clenbuterol, THC gummies and psilocybin chocolates.

Police allege the three men were sourcing significant commercial quantities of these drugs and then operating a sophisticated marketing, sale and distribution network for individual buyers. The buyers were located across Australia and the group, operating online under the ‘OzPharmLabs’ name, allegedly distributed their products via the postal system.

Yesterday, simultaneous search warrants were executed in the ACT region and in Melbourne.

A 38-year-old man was arrested at a residence in O’Connor and a 27-year-old man was arrested at a home in Gordon. Both will face more than 20 charges including traffic in a commercial quantity of a controlled drug, supplying anabolic steroids and traffic in a controlled drug other than cannabis. The 38-year-old has also been charged with contravening a 3LA order and weapon possession.

A 39-year-old Googong man was arrested by NSW Police and is expected to be extradited to the ACT to face 40 charges including participating in a criminal group, trafficking in a commercial quantity of a controlled drug, dealing in the proceeds of crime to a value greater than $1,000,000, obtaining financial advantage by deception, dealing in identification information for the purpose of committing an indictable Commonwealth offence, supplying anabolic steroids, trafficking in a controlled drug other than cannabis, contravening a section 3LA order and supplying declared substances

As part of yesterday’s activity, police seized unprecedented quantities of controlled drugs as well as approximately $200,000 in cash, a house, five vehicles, three motorcycles and designer goods. Multiple bank accounts were also restrained.

Police expect to lay additional charges against all three men once the drug seizures are fully collated and forensic examination of digital items is concluded.

Detective Inspector Mark Steel said this cross-border group were likely responsible for a significant portion of the illegal prescription drug market in Australia.

“These three men were allegedly running a sophisticated, coordinated and deliberate illegal business with the sole goal of illicit profit,” said Detective Inspector Steel.

“ACT Policing and Victoria Police have coordinated their investigation and resolution activity and this should serve as a warning to anyone seeking to profit from illegal activities.

“If you are operating across borders you will face the combined efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies. We will arrest you, seize your assets and put you before courts to face significant criminal charges.”

Anyone who has information about the sale and distribution of illegal drugs in the ACT is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via theCrime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.

Note to Editors – still and video imagery from warrant activity and video of a media stand up is available at – https://spaces.hightail.com/space/vP2BlyjTWu

Source: ACT Police

The Kids in Care charity has handed over hundreds of toys today to ensure Canberra’s most vulnerable kids all receive gifts on Christmas Day.

Kids in Care was established in 2013 after Detective Sergeant John Giles attended a job at Christmas time and found four small children who had been neglected. Detective Sergeant Giles knew these children would not experience Christmas like most, and organised donations of toys to make sure they would receive gifts on Christmas morning.

Since 2013, Kids in Care has grown to a point where it now supplies gifts to all children supported by ACT Child and Youth Protection Services and regionally through NSW Department of Community and Justice, not only at Christmas but throughout the year. Kids in Care has also expanded to provide ‘Go Bags’ for children put into last minute emergency or foster care.

Speaking at today’s handover event, Kids in Care Chairperson Detective Leading Senior Constable Alex Uren said the annual toy handover was bittersweet.

“We are so proud to be able to ensure vulnerable kids in our community receive gifts this Christmas – just like other ACT children,” said Detective Leading Senior Constable Uren.

“But it also is a stark reminder that there are many kids who have experienced trauma, don’t have stable home arrangements and are in care at Christmas and throughout the year.

“Kids in Care will continue to support these children with gifts and Go-Bags to make their lives just that little bit happier.

“We would like to thank everyone who has donated gifts to date and those that are yet to do so. All donations are gratefully received before Christmas and during the year.

“Since 2013, Kids in Care has been able to brighten the Christmas of thousands children across the Canberra region. We can’t do this important work without the generosity of local businesses and Canberrans – so to all our supporters we say thank you.”

For more information  – Kids in Care

Source: ACT Police

A 68-year-old Melbourne man has been arrested following the death of Irma Palasics in 1999, the second arrest to take place in an investigation that has spanned more than 24 years.

About 9.30pm on 6 November 1999, two men forced their way into the McKellar home of elderly couple, Gregor and Irma Palasics.

The couple were bound and savagely beaten before the men ransacked their home and stole cash and jewellery. Irma did not survive her injuries and died at the scene.

What followed was a significant investigation, with multiple avenues of inquiry considered.

Following a review of the investigation and other outstanding cases in 2021 a new investigative strategy was commenced. This ultimately led to the arrest of a 68-year-old man in Melbourne on 20 September 2023, who was charged with one count of murder.

On Wednesday (6 December 2023) ACT Policing investigators, with the assistance of Victoria Police, attended a residence in the Melbourne suburb of Endeavour Hills and arrested the 68-year-old man. He faced the Dandenong Magistrates Court yesterday (Thursday 7 December 2023) where his extradition to the ACT was granted. He is scheduled to face the ACT Magistrates Court today (Friday 8 December 2023) charged with one count of murder.

The second arrest for this matter comes after continued investigations following the first arrest in September.

Detective Superintendent Scott Moller from ACT Policing’s Unsolved Homicide and Long Term Missing Persons team said the second arrest was the culmination of a significantly complex investigation and was deeply gratifying for all involved.

“This investigation has spanned across several years, with our team of investigators having worked tirelessly to ensure the Palasics family were provided with answers,” Detective Superintendent Moller said.

“While the first arrest in September was tremendously satisfying, being able to provide comfort for Irma’s family and the Canberra community with the second and final arrest this week is what all of the investigators worked towards.

“I would like to thank all the officers and support staff who worked on this case over the past 24 years for their commitment to bringing those allegedly responsible for Irma’s death before the court.

“There is no more traumatic experience than having to deal with the senseless murder of a loved one, so to the family of Irma Palasics,  we are pleased to provide this outcome.”

ACT Policing’s Unsolved Homicide team continue to investigate other long term unsolved matters. Anyone with information in relation to any of these matters should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppers.com.au.

Source: ACT Police

ACT Policing is seeking witnesses to a suspicious house fire that occurred in Kambah last Thursday. 

About 4.30pm last Thursday (30 November 2023), ACT Fire & Rescue and police attended a house fire on Jamieson Crescent, Kambah. 

Upon arrival, a two-story house was well alight. No people were injured, however significant damage was caused to the property. 

Following an examination of the scene, the fire was deemed suspicious, and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. 

Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity on Jamieson Crescent, or nearby Marconi Crescent, prior to 4.30pm on the day of the fire, or who may have dash-cam footage from the area before or during the fire. 

Anyone with 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 7608377. Information can be provided anonymously. 

Source: ACT Police

ACT Policing’s Hot Nights, Cool Choices campaign is set to commence on 1 December, 2023.

As we enter the summer season, Hot Nights, Cool Choices has been established to promote safe attitudes and behaviours, particularly in relation to alcohol, partying and personal safety.

The summer months in the ACT historically result in an increase of alcohol related incidents and arrests due to the increase of people, parties and events in licensed venues.

The Hot Nights, Cool Choices campaign will run from December 2023 to February 2024, targeting teenagers and young adults (18 – 35-year-olds) who may engage in anti-social or unlawful behaviour.

The campaign will remind the community that there are consequences for poor behaviour. Police can issue Criminal Infringement Notices for antisocial and illegal behaviour, including for the following:

• Urinating in a public place – $200 fine

• Riding a scooter without a helmet – $154 fine

• Supply liquor to an intoxicated person – $110 fine

• Abuse, threaten or intimidate staff – $220 fine

• Fail to leave premises when directed – $440 fine

• Consume alcohol in unauthorised public places – $110 fine

• Remaining within 50m of licences premises after being removed or refused admission – $440 fine

• Fighting, assaults, affray – face court

• Riding a scooter while under the influence – face court

Officer in Charge of City Police Station, Acting Inspector Scott van der Valk, urged people to consider the consequences of their actions when out socialising as we approach the festive season.

“We don’t want to spoil the fun this summer, but we will respond to antisocial or illegal behaviour and issue fines where appropriate,” Acting Inspector Van der Valk said.

“ACT Policing’s Territory Targeting Team, along with other patrols and teams will be out in force this summer across the ACT.

“If you act irresponsibly and break the law, you may be paying off an expensive ticket or infringement, or find yourself spending the next morning in court.

“The message heading into summer is simple – have fun, be safe, and remember your night out for the right reasons by making the right decisions.

“Everyone has a role to play to ensure this summer is a safe one.”

Find out more about alcohol and drug safety, safe party behaviours and the ACT drug law reforms, to assist you in making cool choices this summer.

Source: ACT Police

ACT Policing’s Operation TORIC has arrested five people for vehicle offences, burglary, and breaches of bail conditions – the youngest a 15-year-old boy.

On Tuesday, 28 November 2023, a silver Land Rover Discovery was reported stolen from a residence in Red Hill.

Later that day, the Land Rover was involved in two road rage incidents. In one incident, the driver of the vehicle allegedly rammed another member of the public’s vehicle several times. In a second incident, whilst driving alongside a member of the public, the driver of the Land Rover allegedly side swiped another vehicle and threw items at the driver, which resulted in the driver sustaining injuries.

On Wednesday, 29 November, the Land Rover was allegedly used to facilitate the theft of a Holden Cruze from a residence in Kambah.

Also on Wednesday, 29 November, people in the two stolen vehicles allegedly then went on to attempt to break into a service station in Wanniassa. While unsuccessful, the service station suffered a large amount of damage. It further alleged the individuals also broke into several stores in Torrens.

Police arrested five people in relation to these incidents – a 27-year-old Monash man and an 18-year-old Isabella Plains man, and three youths, being two 16-year-old boys, and a 15-year-old boy.

They have been charged with numerous offences including, drive motor vehicle without consent, attempt aggravated burglary, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, dangerous driving, and breach of bail.

Anyone who has information in relation to these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference number 7608287.

Source: ACT Police

A 43-year-old Greenway man will face court today (Thursday, 30 November 2023) charged with historic sexual offences including grooming, sexual intercourse with young person under special care, and possession of child abuse material.

ACT Policing’s Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team arrested the man after an online historical report was submitted to police for investigation in July 2023.

Police established Operation Parham to investigate the allegations of historical sexual offending against a young girl known to the man between 2012 and 2016.

On Wednesday, 29 November 2023, police executed a search warrant at a residence in Greenway where a number of items, including a computer and two mobile phones, were seized.

The man was arrested, and was scheduled to appear in court today on a total of 14 charges –

• Sexual intercourse with young person under special care (three counts)

• Act of indecency with young person under special care (two counts)

• Transport person under 18 with intent to exploit (two counts)

• Act of indecency in the presence of person under 16 (two counts)

• Sexual intercourse with person over 10 year but under 16 years (two counts)

• Groom young person (single count)

• Possess child abuse material (single count)

• Possess child exploitation material (single count)

There is no statute of limitations for sexual offences in the ACT. It doesn’t matter how much time may have passed 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.