Police Beat with Zaida Glibanovic
Maryvale blaze
MORWELL locals had a fright on the evening of Tuesday, May 7, as large plumes of smoke were spotted at a pine plantation in Maryvale.
Country Fire Authority alongside Fire Rescue Victoria attended the fire on Morwell-Maryvale Road in Maryvale at about 4.53pm that afternoon.
Reports indicated a large 50-by-50-metre pile of rubbish was ablaze. Victoria Police was also on the scene.
Crews quickly got to work to stop the fire as the smoke continued to blow.
The local CFA brought the blaze under control at 5.56pm; it was deemed safe by 6.25pm.
It is believed that police are not investigating the fire as suspicious.
An excavator was brought in the following morning to move the remaining rubbish.
Vehicle fire
POLICE are calling on the public to help an investigation into a suspicious fire at a residence in Morwell on April 6.
It is believed two people attended a neighbouring property off the Crinigan Road residence, at about 3.50am.
Police allege the pair sprayed an accelerant over a fence onto a vehicle parked in the driveway of the residence, before setting the vehicle alight.
Investigators have released images of two people they believe can assist with their enquiries.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au
Burglary and thefts in Victoria’s east
WELLINGTON Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating two burglaries at rural properties across Victoria’s East last month where firearms were allegedly stolen.
It is believed an unknown offender forced entry into a property on Thompson Lane in Seaton between 5.45am and 5pm on April 10.
Once inside the premises, police say the alleged thief forced entry to a gun safe, stealing five firearms and ammunition.
A second burglary allegedly occurred inside a shed on Kellehers Road, Glenmaggie between 12pm on April 20 and 12pm on April 30. Five firearms, a trailer, a car fridge and air compressor were all stolen. The incidents are believed to be linked at this stage.
Detectives are encouraging owners of firearms to ensure they are secure, and if they are away from their property for any period of time, to store them at another location.
Warragul man missing
POLICE are appealing for public assistance as they continue to search for Warragul man Mark, who’s been missing for more than a month.
The 51-year-old left home in Warragul on March 31 and travelled by train to Melbourne to watch an AFL match at the MCG.
Investigators have confirmed Mark attended a licenced premises on Swan Street, Richmond and was there when the match started, but police have been unable to confirm if he attended the game.
Mark failed to return home and was reported missing to police.
The last confirmed sighting of Mark was at a bank in Paisley Street, Footscray just before midday on Thursday, April 11.
Mark has no known associates in Footscray or the western suburbs.
Mark’s disappearance is out of character and family and police are becoming increasingly concerned due to the length of time he has been missing.
Police have released an image of Mark, and CCTV of him at the bank in the hope that someone can provide information about his current whereabouts.
Mark is described as 182cm tall, medium build with short brown hair.
He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a dark coloured jumper with a white hoodie underneath, and a dark coloured beanie.
