Police Beat with Tom Hayes
Pay dispute update
THE Fair Work Commission has rejected Victoria Police Command’s Arbitration Application, finding that Victoria Police had not yet exhausted all efforts to negotiate an outcome to the EBA dispute – which began in December 2023.
The Police Association of Victoria (TPAV) have asked the Fair Work Commission for its assistance to mediate negotiations between TPAV, Victoria Police Command, and the state government.
The assistance supplied by the Fair Work Commission will not be arbitration, meaning TPAV members still hold the valuable right to vote on any negotiated outcomes.
TPAV, Fair Work Commission, Victoria Police, and the state government are set to meet tomorrow (Thursday, January 16).
Suspicious fire
LATROBE Crime Investigation Unit is currently investigating a suspiciously lit grass fire.
On January 4, 2025 at around 11.45pm, police and CFA attended a grass fire on Brodribb Road at the intersection of Nadenbouschs Rd in Hazelwood.
It is alleged both sides of the road were deliberately set alight.
Detectives are appealing for public assistance and are seeking any witnesses or information relating to the fire including any video/dashcam footage.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Latrobe CIU on 5131 5000, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit an online report at: crimestoppersvic.com.au
Arrest made
DETECTIVES from Latrobe Crime Investigation Unit have arrested and charged a man who is allegedly linked to a series of burglaries which occurred in November and December 2024 in Churchill.
It is alleged a 30-year-old man was in possession of a large quantity of stolen property which was recovered after detectives executed a search warrant.
The Churchill man has been charged with handling stolen goods, firearm, weapon, and drug related offences.
He was remanded to appear at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court.
Drugs involved in heavy collision
BAIRNSDALE Highway Patrol recently attended a heavy vehicle collision into safety barriers causing substantial damage to the vehicle and barriers. There were no injuries to the driver.
The driver was drug and alcohol tested and returned a positive result for methyl amphetamine and will be summoned to court.
The safety barriers were effective in stopping the vehicle, so no other vehicles were involved, therefore no injuries or fatalities to other road users.
Learner loses mum’s car
AN 18-year-old Warragul man will face court after being detected driving on a suspended learner permit.
The male was spotted travelling on Murray Street in Wonthaggi on December 30, 2024, when he was intercepted by police.
He stated the car belonged to his mum, but as she doesn’t have a driver licence either, the vehicle was impounded, at a cost of $1275.
The driver will be summoned to court at a later date.
Collection stolen
SHEPPARTON Police are investigating after 150 collectable Barbie dolls were stolen from their Tatura dream home.
Unknown offenders allegedly forced entry to a residence on William St between Thursday, December 5 and Wednesday, December 11, 2024 while the occupants were on holidays.
The offenders stole the Barbies, along with Elvis collectables and a Jack Daniels esky. The myriad of iconic dolls are all still in their original packaging and took the owner 12 years to collect.
The dolls were released between 1970 and 2017 and while priceless to their collector, are estimated to be worth in excess of $15,000.
Many of the Barbies are extremely rare and police have released images of some of the stolen dolls in the hope someone may provide information.
Officers are asking the public to keep their eye out for anyone attempting to sell the vintage dolls, particularly on online platforms.
Anyone with information that can assist police in locating the Barbies is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit a confidential report online at: crimestoppersvic.com.au
