Man charged with multiple theft offences

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Monday, 13 October 2025 1:00pm

Original publication: Monday, 13 October 2025 1:00pm

A 32-year-old Wanniassa man has been charged with multiple theft offences after allegedly stealing more than $3000 worth of products from retail outlets across Canberra.

Between 1 July and 26 September this year (2025), police allege the man attended grocery stores across Canberra and stole more than $1400 worth of goods.

During one of his visits to a grocery store in Dickson, he took a packet of cigarettes from a staff member’s hand while they tried to scan the item and subsequently became aggressive at a member of public who attempted to prevent his theft.

On the 21 and 22 of August (2025), the man also attended a department store in the Canberra CBD and stole more than $1800 worth of high-end bedding.

He has been charged with 14 counts of minor theft, joint commission minor theft, and robbery, and will face court at a later date.

Operation RETAIL was launched on 1 October 2025. The month-long campaign is focusing on deterring anti-social behaviour, reducing retail theft, enhancing public perceptions of safety and improving business safety and security.

ACT Policing will continue to increase patrols of shopping centres, work with loss prevention officers and engage with business owners to address criminal activity occurring in shopping centres.

Man to face court following pursuit in south Canberra

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Tuesday, 14 October 2025 8:05am

Original publication: Monday, 13 October 2025 10:32am

A 45-year-old Mawson man will face court today charged with multiple driving offences following a pursuit in south Canberra on Saturday night.

About 11:30pm on Saturday (11 October 2025), police patrolling in Fisher observed a silver Volkswagen Golf travelling in excess of the speed limit on Namatjira Drive.

Police followed the Golf into Kambah and observed the vehicle drive through an intersection against a red light.

Police activated their emergency lights and sirens but the driver failed to pull over and accelerated away.

Officers pursued the vehicle through Kambah and Duffy, with the driver travelling at excessive speeds and on the wrong side of the road, driving on footpaths and through intersections against a red light.

Police followed the Golf into Holder and found the vehicle in a front yard with damage to the front wheels.

Police placed the 45-year-old male driver and a female passenger under arrest. The driver underwent a drug screening test, which resulted in a positive indication to a prescribed drug.

The man, who was on bail for similar offences, will appear before the ACT Magistrates Court today.

He has been charged with two counts of furious driving, two counts of fail to stop for police, drive motor vehicle at police, driver prescribed drug in oral fluid, unlicenced driver and use unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle.

Anyone who has any dashcam footage of the Golf is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website or on 1800 333 000.  Please quote 8186517.

UPDATE: Charges – Aggravated assault – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 34-year-old male in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred yesterday morning.

Around 1.30pm, police located the alleged offender at a licensed premises on Todd Street and he was arrested.

The 34-year-old male has since been charged with:

  • Aggravated robbery
  • Aggravated assault
  • Engage in conduct that contravenes DVO
  • Armed with an offensive weapon at night
  • Resist police in execution of duty

He will appear in Alice Spring Court today. 

Drug and cash seizure – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has executed a search warrant resulting in the seizure of drugs and cash in Alice Springs yesterday morning.

Around 9:10am, police executed a search warrant at a residence on Gap Road. During the search, officers located and seized 65.4 grams of cannabis, $5,000 in cash, scales and drug paraphernalia.

A female resident was issued a Notice to Appear for:

  • Supply of a dangerous drug – less than commercial quantity (Schedule 2)
  • Possession of a dangerous drug – traffickable quantity (Schedule 2)
  • Receiving or possessing tainted property

Detective Senior Sergeant Marcus Becker said, “Substantial harm is caused by the distribution of illicit drugs within our community, and police will continue to proactively target anyone involved in this activity.

“Information from the public plays an active role in disrupting the Territory’s illegal drug market. If you know something, reach out to police on 131 444 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Charges – Vehicle and arson offences – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Police have charged a 36-year-old woman in relation to vehicle and arson offences that occurred on Monday afternoon in Alice Springs.

Around 4pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a vehicle fire on Kempe Street.

General Duties officers attended and located a white Holden Commodore sedan engulfed in flames. The Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fire.

Police later identified the alleged driver and located her at a nearby address. She was arrested and conveyed to the Alice Springs Watch House, where she returned a positive breath alcohol reading.

The 36-year-old woman has been charged with:

  • Driver unlicensed with alcohol in blood
  • Arson

She was remanded to appear in Alice Springs Court on 22 October 2025.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444 or by submitting dash-cam footage via  https://ntpol.au.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/ntp2500104600.

Please quote reference number NTP2500104600. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

BreastScreen ACT celebrates diversity and inclusion

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

Members of LGBTIQA+ communities who attend their first breast screening receive a free scarf, designed by local artist LaToya Kennedy.

In brief:

  • BreastScreen ACT is celebrating diversity and inclusion through the Inclusive Rainbow Threads Project.
  • The Inclusive Rainbow Threads Project encourages breast/chest screenings, while promoting inclusivity.
  • Members of LGBTIQA+ communities who attend their first screening receive a free rainbow scarf.

Health care should be accessible and inclusive for everyone – regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

BreastScreen ACT is celebrating diversity and inclusion in health care through the Inclusive Rainbow Threads Project.

The initiative encourages breast/chest screens within Canberra’s LGBTIQA+ communities and champions accessible, inclusive, and supportive health care for all.

A safe space for everybody

For many people in the LGBTIQA+ community, healthcare settings may feel like a barrier.

Navigating conversations about gender, identity and bodies can feel daunting and can make accessing health services like breast screening difficult.

The Inclusive Rainbow Threads Project promotes inclusivity and support for all individuals accessing health care, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

Through the initiative, members of LGBTIQA+ communities who attend their first screening at BreastScreen ACT will receive a free rainbow scarf as a gesture of care and solidarity.

Designed by local Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri artist LaToya Kennedy, the scarf is a symbol of community unity and inclusivity.

‘As a proud Indigenous lesbian, I draw inspiration from my ancestors and from my Indigenous and LGBTIQA+ communities, who have taught me to always be strong and proud of who I am and where I come from,’ LaToya said.

The Inclusive Rainbow Threads Project is supported by the Canberra Hospitals Foundation, the ACT Government and donors.

How you can support inclusive health care

You can support the Inclusive Rainbow Threads Project by purchasing a scarf for yourself or a loved one.

The scarves cost $49, and the remaining $30 helps to pay for an LGBTIQA+ person to receive their own when they attend a screening.

To learn more about the Project or to purchase a scarf, visit the Canberra Hospital Foundations website.

Book a breast screen today

If you’re due (or overdue) for a breast screen, consider booking one today.

Eligible Canberrans can book a free breast screen with BreastScreen ACT.

It is recommended people aged 50–74 have a screening mammogram every two years.

Screening is also available for those aged 40–49 and over 74.

To book a screening, call BreastScreen ACT on 13 20 50 or visit BreastScreen ACT’s website to find out more.


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Update – Missing walker Daryl Fong

Source: Tasmania Police

Update – Missing walker Daryl Fong

Wednesday, 22 October 2025 – 7:03 am.

Sadly, at 6:00pm on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, Tasmania Police search and rescue members of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter located and safely recovered the body of a male, believed to be Daryl Fong, in the Mount Field National Park.
Mr Fong had been missing since Sunday 12 October, after setting out on a solo hike to photograph the Tarn Shelf Circuit.
Despite extremely challenging conditions including waist-deep snow, poor visibility, and gale-force winds, search efforts continued over the past week.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all search crews, particularly the volunteers, who worked tirelessly in these extreme conditions,” said Inspector Luke Horne.
“Their dedication and resilience are a vital part of our rescue capability and consistently go above and beyond.”
“Daryl’s family and friends have requested privacy during this difficult time as they come to terms with the loss of their son and friend. They have asked not to be contacted by media,” said Inspector Horne.
No suspicious circumstances have been identified and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Drink driver charged in Mowbray after returning reading of 0.360

Source: Tasmania Police

Drink driver charged in Mowbray after returning reading of 0.360

Tuesday, 21 October 2025 – 5:04 pm.

A 25-year-old Launceston man has been charged with drink driving offences after he was intercepted by police this afternoon in Mowbray and returned a reading of 0.360. That’s more than 7 times the legal limit. 
He was issued an automatic licence disqualification for 12 months and will appear before the Launceston Magistrates Court tonight. 
Police remind all motorists that driving under the influence is one of the fatal five causes of fatal and serious injury crashes on our roads. 
Drivers are reminded to never drive if they’re over the limit, you’re putting your life and the lives of others at risk.

Gold Coast man fined for illegally dumping tyres

Source: Government of Queensland

Issued: 21 Oct 2025

A Gold Coast man has received a penalty of more than $6000 after pleading guilty to two offences related to transporting and illegally dumping waste from a retail tyre business.

The prosecution demonstrates the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation’s (DETSI) commitment to holding offenders to account.

A magistrate described the offending as brazen and said the offender demonstrated disregard for the law, the environment and the Gold Coast community.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was ordered to pay $6,736 after he pleaded guilty to illegally dumping waste and conducting a regulated waste transport activity without the required environmental authority in Southport Magistrates Court on October 16.

He ran a retail tyre business and initially denied responsibility for the dumped tyres.

Police found him parked near bushland in Pimpama early on 1 April 2024 where about 65 tyres were illegally dumped.

The vehicle had false number plates and police found another 40 tyres inside the vehicle.

A DETSI spokesperson said the prosecution highlighted the Department’s commitment to identifying and responding to environmental offences.

“Discarded tyres can release harmful chemicals into soil and waterways, causing long-term damage to ecosystems and wildlife. Waste tyres must be managed appropriately and lawfully, including using licensed regulated waste transporters and recycling facilities,” they said.

“Everyone can play a part protecting our environment and report suspicious behaviour to our 24/7 Pollution Hotline on 1300 130 372 or reporting suspicious activity: Litter and Illegal Dumping Online Reporting System.”

No conviction was recorded.

Prepare with your pets this summer

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Members of the Lexton Fire Brigade and their pets

RSPCA Victoria and CFA are calling on Victorians to include pets in their bushfire survival plans, as Victoria faces an increased risk of fires this summer, especially in drought-affected areas. 

Pet owners can save valuable time in fire emergencies by having bedding, food, and water ready to go for their furry friend.  

RSPCA Victoria Head of Prevention, Rebecca Cook highlighted the importance of including pets in bushfire survival plans.  

“Planning for emergencies is part of life in Victoria, and is critical during the summer months,” Ms Cook said. 

“We’re urging everyone to make sure their pets are included in their Fire Ready plans in place ahead of what could be a very dangerous fire season this year.” 

“An emergency kit with medication, photos or scans on your phone of important documents like vaccination certifications, and updated contact details on microchips and collars, are just some of the items to prepare in advance.  

“Including your pets in your Fire Ready plans increases the chances of you and your pet making it to safety in an emergency situation.” 

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the finer details matter when preparing a bushfire plan.   

“Everyone should always prioritise their own safety, however your bushfire plan isn’t fully complete unless it accounts for your pets,” Jason said.  

“When building your plan, think about what your pets will eat and drink, necessary medications, how you transport them, and where you are taking them.  

“Once your kit is prepared, keep it in an easily accessible place, with towels and woollen blankets on hand to protect pets during the journey and help keep them as cool as possible.   

“Lastly, microchipping your pets for easy identification and ensuring your phone number is visible on their collar will help you get reunited sooner in case you get separated.” 

For horses and livestock, a separate plan is required.  

“If you aren’t able to evacuate livestock, a large, well-grazed, and fenced area away from roads where they can move freely with access to water, would be the safest place for them,” Jason said.   

“A late evacuation will put you and your animals at risk; Make sure you’re prepared.”  

Submitted by CFA Media