Category Archives: Tamworth Country Radio Network

Police appeal for information following armed robbery – Armidale

Police are appealing for information after the armed robbery of a taxi driver in Armidale at the weekend.

About 11.50pm (Sunday 14 February 2016), a man requested a taxi to attend a West Armidale address.

Upon arrival, the man entered the taxi and provided an address to the driver.

A short time later, the passenger threatened the driver with a sharp object and demanded money.

The vehicle stopped at the intersection of Kirkwood and Canambe Streets, where the man fled with cash. He was last seen running on Cookes Road, Armidale.

The driver contacted Triple Zero (000), and officers from New England Local Area Command attended and launched an investigation.

The driver, a 51-year-old man, sustained minor lacerations to his hands during the incident; however, he did not require medical attention.

Police conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area but the passenger was not located.

The taxi was seized from the location and will undergo forensic examination.

Inquiries into the matter are continuing and police would now like to speak to a man who may be able to assist with the investigation.

The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 170-180cm tall, with a short beard and of a medium build. He was last seen wearing a dark-coloured hooded-jumper.

Anyone who knows the man’s identity, or has any information that could assist police, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Firearms stolen during break-in – Kurri Kurri

Police are investigating the theft of five firearms after a break and enter near Cessnock yesterday.

Between 1.30pm and 2.15pm (Saturday 13 February 2016), unknown person/s broke into the home on Northcote Street, Kurri Kurri.

During the break and enter five firearms, ammunition, jewellery and cash were stolen. The firearms stolen include a .22 rifle, .177 Crossman rifle, Bayard .22 rifle, .243 rifle and a shot gun.

Officers from Central Hunter Local Area Command attended and commenced inquiries.

They would like to speak to a male who may be able to assist them.

He is described as being about 18-years-old, with an olive complexion and short dark hair. He was last seen wearing shorts and a blue t-shirt.

Anyone with information is urged to come forward.

Police appeal for information after projectile fired into home – Glendale

Police are investigating after a projectile was fired at a unit complex in Glendale this morning.

Between midnight and 12.30am (Saturday 13 February 2016), a man and a woman were awoken to a noise outside their unit on Frederick Street.

About 7am, the woman, aged 59, noticed a hole in the side of the premises and contacted police.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command attended and established a crime scene.

Police have received no reports of injury.

As police continue their inquiries, they are appealing for anyone with information or any witnesses to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.

Initial inquiries indicate the incident was not targeted; however inquiries continue.

Teacher charged with sex offences – SCC Child Abuse Squad

A teacher has been charged and will face court next month following investigations into alleged sex offences with a student in Port Stephens last year.

Detectives from Newcastle Child Abuse Squad have arrested and charged a 49-year-old teacher with child sex offences.

The man was arrested at his home in Corlette around 8.30pm yesterday (Thursday 11 February 2016), before being taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with sexual intercourse with person under special care (x2).

He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Tuesday 8 March 2016.

In court, detectives will allege that in September and October 2015, the man had sexual intercourse with a female student from a high school in Port Stephens, while he was a teacher at the same school.

Detectives are working closely with the principal of the high school and the Department of Education.

The Child Abuse Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate crimes against children, including sexual assault, physical abuse and serious cases of neglect. The squad works in partnership with the Department of Family and Community Services and NSW Health, with specialised tri-agency teams based at metropolitan and regional locations throughout NSW.

Police appeal after teen approached by naked man – Port Stephens

Police are appealing for witnesses after a naked man approached a teenage girl near Port Stephens last month.

About 2.30pm, Thursday 21 January 2016, two 15-year-old girls were at Boat Harbour beach, 15km south of Port Stephens, when one of the teens went for a swim.

A short time later she got out of the water onto the rocks, when a naked man approached her.

He sat down beside her, before the other girl approached them and the man walked away.

As the girls left the area they saw the man committing a lewd act.

The pair walked home and informed one of their fathers, who contacted police.

Officers from Port Stephens Local Area Command attended and commenced an investigation.

Police patrolled the area but could not locate the man.

As inquiries into the incident continue, police have released an image of a man who may be able to assist them.

He is depicted in the image as being of Caucasian appearance, aged between 50 and 60, with grey hair, solid build and wearing a black baseball cap.

Investigators are also appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, or anyone who may have information that will assist with their inquiries, to come forward.

Man charged with 30 offences following Robbery and Serious Crime Squad investigation

Strike force detectives have charged a further man over a number of alleged robberies and other offences in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Moree areas.

Strike Force Lockwood was established by State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad to investigate numerous robberies and break and enters in 2012, as well as the alleged supply of firearms.

They have also been investigating an incident where a shot was fired at police during a pursuit through Dora Creek and Cooranbong in December 2012.

Following extensive inquiries, a 31-year-old man was arrested at Parramatta Police Station on Tuesday (9 February 2016) and charged with the following offences:

– Aggravated break, enter and steal (11 counts);

– Supply prohibited drug (seven counts);

– Robbery whilst armed with dangerous weapon;

– Possess unregistered firearm;

– Supply firearm (three counts);

– Fire firearm at building;

– Participate in criminal group;

– Larceny;

– Receive property from theft (two counts);

– Conspiracy to commit aggravated break enter with intent; and

– Conspiracy to commit robbery while armed with dangerous weapon.

The man will appear in Parramatta Local Court today (Thursday 11 February 2016).
A number of people arrested previously by Strike Force Lockwood detectives remain before the court.

Investigations are continuing.

Missing teen located safe and well – Kotara

Police would like to thank the public and media for their assistance after a teenager who went missing from Kotara yesterday afternoon was found safe and well this morning.

The 19-year-old man was last seen walking from his home on Rodway Street at Kotara about 4.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 9 February 2016).

Following an extensive search by officers from Newcastle City Local Area Command he was found safe and well at 9.30am this morning.

Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.

Police appeal to help locate missing teen – Kotara

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a teenager who went missing from Kotara yesterday afternoon.

Matthew Kiely, aged 19, was last seen walking from his home on Rodway Street at Kotara bout 4.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 9 February 2016).

Officers attached to Newcastle City Local Area Command have been told Matthew left his home and was seen walking toward Kotara South Public School.

Police were notified after his parents searched the area and were unable to locate him.

There are serious concerns for Matthew due to significant medical conditions, including communication difficulties, which require ongoing treatment.

Matthew is described as being of Caucasian appearance with a fair complexion, about 155-160cm tall, with light brown hair, facial hair and of a small build.

He was last seen wearing a light-blue t-shirt, dark shorts and thongs.

The missing person is known to frequent areas in Gateshead and Cessnock.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police seek information to locate Todd Burns – Newcastle City LAC

Police are appealing for information to locate a man wanted on an outstanding warrant.

Todd Burns, 24, has an outstanding arrest warrant for revocation of parole. His whereabouts are not currently known.

Burns is described as being as being 180 to 185cm tall, fair completion, medium build with black hair.

He is known to frequent, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Valley areas.

Anyone knows the whereabouts of this person they are urged not to approach him, but to contact Newcastle Police on (02) 4929 0999, Waratah Police on (02) 4926 6599, or Crime Stoppers.

Marina Collapse – Lake Macquarie

Police are on the scene of a marina collapse on Lake Macquarie.

About 9.30am (Monday 8 February 2016), police attended Pelican Marina on Soldiers Road, Pelican, after police received reports of a building collapse.

A portion of the marina had given way and fell into Lake Macquarie. There were two people in the Marina at the time however no injuries have been reported.

Police, as well as Fire & Rescue NSW officers remain on the scene. Booms have been set up in the water around the marina.

Police are asking for sightseeing boats to remain clear of the incident site, as the wake is creating issues for emergency services.