TRARALGON police have reported a well-behaved Christmas season with no serious offences occurring in the town’s central business district.
An additional eight police members were on duty for ‘Operation Street Sweep’ between Friday, 20 December and Christmas Eve.
Sergeant Jeff Graham said there was a low number of offences and drunks and suspected patron numbers at licensed venues were down compared to previous years.
“Certainly the patrons were more responsible in the way they drink and behave – especially the local people,” Sgt Graham said.
“We still find a problem with nightclub hotel patrons from outlying areas within a 50 kilometre radius who come to Traralgon and behave irresponsibly.”
Sgt Graham did not anticipate a busy New Year’s Eve in Traralgon with many locals on holiday in coastal areas, but said there would still be extra members on duty.
Property damaged
BURGLARS allegedly left a mess and damage bill after ransacking a Traralgon home early Sunday morning.
Police are investigating the incident that occurred between 3am and 6.30am on Franklin Street.
It is believed several offenders entered the property that was vacant at the time and took personal belongings, a vehicle and caused extensive damage to the property.
A white Nissan Patrol utility tray with an enclosed canopy was taken from the garage and alleged to have been taken on a joy ride by the offenders.
The vehicle was then returned to the property, demolishing part of the garage.
Head injury
A 51 year-old Moe woman was taken to Dandenong Hospital on 20 December for surgery after a serious assault left her with a head injury.
Police were called to a residence in Service Road, Moe in the early hours of Friday morning where the victim’s de facto partner had assaulted her.
Moe police said the 51 year-old man was arrested, interviewed and would be charged with serious assault.
Scooter assault
A man was head-butted and struck with a scooter during an altercation on George Street, Morwell on 20 December.
Police were called out at 11am to the altercation between several males, which left the victim with grazes and swelling.
The victim was head-butted and punched to the face numerous times before a second man struck the victim with a scooter.
It is believed a third man with a pram watched on before all three took off toward a nearby supermarket.
The men are described as being 16 to 17 years-old, Caucasian and of thin builds. The first man was wearing a green top, the second man a white top and the third man a black top and black cap.
Detectives believe a number of witnesses notified staff at the nearby supermarket about the assault, but did not leave contact details.
Drag racing
A TRARALGON man while drag racing has been charged after allegedly exceeding the speed limit by more than 90 kilometres in Morwell last month.
Morwell police Senior Constable Mick McKay said police interviewed and charged the 19 year-old man on Friday after travelling 170 kilometres in an 80 kilometre speed zone on Princes Drive between Bridle Road and National Foods on 5 November before 4pm.
The P plater’s 1999 blue Ford Sedan has been impounded, while the other vehicle the driver was drag racing is not known to police.
The man has been bailed to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on 26 February charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury, driving at a speed dangerous, driving a motor vehicle in a race on a highway, exceeding speed and careless driving.
