Daily Archives: 24/02/2015

13-year-old burglary suspect arrested in Armidale crackdown

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Police have arrested a suspected burglar, aged just 13, during a crackdown on break and enter offences at Armidale in the state’s New England region.

Around 1.30am today, officers from the New England Local Area Command stopped a blue Holden sedan in Kirkwood Street, Armidale.

A short time earlier police had received a report of a nearby house break-in.

When officers searched the vehicle, it is alleged they discovered a number of stolen valuables, including mobile phones, hidden under the front seat.

Police arrested the 13-year-old passenger who was taken to the Armidale Police Station to assist with inquiries.

The arrest has occurred during a Police crackdown on home burglaries in the New England area.

At 2am on Sunday (22 February), police made another, unrelated arrest, stopping a man on a bicycle as they patrolled Watson Avenue.

He was allegedly found in possession of fingerless gloves, screwdrivers, hex keys, pliers, a folding knife and a slingshot.

The 44-year-old was charged with possess house breaking implements, possess prohibited weapon, custody of a knife in a public place and not wearing a helmet.

He will face court on Monday 16 March.

New England Local Area Commander, Fred Trench, said his officers are working hard to deal with a series of break and enter offences in the area.

“These arrests show that we are taking this issue very seriously,” Superintendent Trench said.

“In addition to our car crews, we are utilising bicycle police, foot patrols, the dog unit and investigators in the fight against break-ins,” he added.

“We need the community’s help as well. “The public are our eyes and ears.

“If you spot someone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, let us know and we will act,” Supt Trench said.

The New England Commander is reminding Armidale residents they can minimise the risks by being security conscious.

“Unfortunately, the days where we could leave our doors and windows open, particularly during the hotter months, are gone.

“Thieves will take advantage of lax security, ensure your home is locked whenever possible,” Supt Trench warned, “Don’t make it easy for them.”

Anyone with information about break-in offences in the New England area is urged to contact Armidale Police on (02) 6771 0699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

New Bridges for Hume Area

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Both Federal Member for Eden Monaro Dr Peter Hendy and Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor last week announced funding for much needed updates to local bridges in their electorates.

“Today I welcome the much-needed upgrade to local bridges under the Australian Government’s new $300 million Bridges Renewal Programme,” Dr Hendy said.

The Coalition Government is committing $28.5 million – matched by proponents – to 29 projects across New South Wales as part of Round One of the Bridges Renewal Programme.

This includes several bridges around the Southern region such as Candlagan Creek Bridge on Coronation Drive at Broulee, the Abercrombie Bridge between Goulburn and Oberon, Gobarralong Bridge in the Gundagai Shire, 9.3kms east from the Hume Highway near Coolac, Parsonage Creek Bridge at Bombala, Kippilaw and Lansdowne Bridges in Goulburn, Kirkland Rd Bridge and Caalong Bridge near Robertson in the Southern Highlands, and Burrangong Creek Bridge, 12 kms north of Young.

Some $937,000 was announced by Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor for the Kippilaw Bridge renewal, as well as the remaining amount of $1.1 million provided by Goulburn Mulwaree Council, bringing the total cost of the project to approximately $2 million.

He also announced $3.25 million for Lansdowne Bridge in East Goulburn, in addition to another $4.5 million already announced by the State Government.

The Lansdowne bridge works will involve the demolition of the existing State Significant 1902 deBurgh truss structure with work to be carried out by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).

All in all the Lansdowne Bridge works will cost approximately $7.7 million with the RMS to supplement the federal funding.

“Congratulations to Goulburn Mulwaree Council on securing funding for such an important project,” Mr Taylor said.

“Hume has done particularly well to win funding for five separate projects under the Bridges Renewal Programme, where many other electorates have missed out.

“I can also announce $3.25 million for Lansdowne Bridge in east Goulburn, which is in addition to money already announced by the NSW Government.

“My office is always enthusiastic about helping councils and local communities – with letters of support, with guidance on application preparation, with general advice – to try and get these worthy projects underway,” he said.

Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Geoff Kettle also welcomed the funding announcement for Kippilaw and Lansdowne Bridges.

He says that the Kippilaw Bridge especially needs a complete replacement, due to regular flooding.

“We’re going to straighten the Gurrundah Road, realign it and raise the height of the new Kippilaw Bridge, because it’s prone to flooding,” he says

“Council budgeted for the work in its 2015-16 operational plan, and the announcement of the funding is most welcome, as it’s an increasingly busy road and an important route for stock carriers.”

In his electorate of Eden Monaro, Dr Peter Hendy announced the injection of almost $1.1 million towards improvements to the Canadlagan Creek Bridge at Broulee in the Eurobodalla Shire.

Bridges get vital funding for upgrades

“The injection of $1,097,000 to upgrade the Candlagan Creek Bridge on Coronation Drive in Broulee will make its use safer and more reliable, while also being a huge fillip for freight providing major benefits for the community and the region,” Dr Hendy said.

“In particular, our programme will improve road access for local traffic and increase efficiency on local roads, which will be a relief to all.

Eurobodalla is a vibrant region and our Government is investing in its continued growth.

These important projects are made possible by close and effective consultation between Local Government Areas and the Commonwealth.

I would like to acknowledge the excellent work of Mayor Lindsay Brown and his team at the Eurobodalla Shire Council.

The Eurobodalla Shire Council will play a significant role in managing this project, ensuring the bridge can continue to contribute to productivity and community access.”

The Federal Government will provide a total commitment of $300 million over five years from 2014-15 for the entire bridges renewal programme.