A young woman had to be freed from her vehicle after crashing into a house on the Princes Highway at Milton.
Emergency Services, including NSW Ambulance, Police and the RFS were called around 7.30 last night.
She was flown by the Toll Air Ambulance to St George Hospital.
Police say she has serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The NSW SES Ulladulla crew worked late into the night to stabilise the house, which was badly damaged in the crash.
Images: NSW SES Ulladulla
A man has been charged after allegedly attacking a female shop worker after he refused to wear a face mask in a shop.
Police allege the man entered a store on Lyndhurst Drive, Bomaderry, without a face mask on.
The man was asked by a staff member to put on a mask to comply with COVID-19 regulations before he placed his motorcycle helmet on.
He was again asked to put on a mask before he allegedly became aggressive and hit two panels of glass at the front of the store, causing them to smash.
The man left the store and was followed outside by a staff member, where they were involved in a verbal altercation before the man allegedly tackled the 50-year-old female employee to the ground.
A nearby witness attempted to stop the man, but he fled the scene on his motorcycle.
The woman was taken to Shoalhaven Hospital for treatment of a fractured pelvis.
Officers attached to South Coast Police District were notified and following inquiries, stopped the motorcycle on Meroo Road, Bomaderry, and arrested the 19-year-old rider.
He was taken to Nowra Police Station before being taken to hospital for assessment.
He is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, possess a prohibited drug, destroy or damage property, and not wear a fitted face-covering in a business or retail premises.
He has been bailed to appear in Nowra Local Court on Monday 27 September 2021.
Images: Supplied
Anti-lockdown protestors have targeted Shoalhaven City Council offices at Nowra and Ulladulla.
At Graham Street in Nowra, a handful of people protested.
Police reportedly dispersed the crowd quickly.
Police also attended another unauthorised gathering at Deering Street Ulladulla, where an estimated 25 people turned up.
It was part of a state-wide orchestrated protest movement.
Police responded to 13 protests in the Southern region.
Across NSW 136 people have been arrested.
Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley said she understands the frustration people feel about the NSW Government regional lockdown, but it's not local government locking down the state.
Kiama MP Gareth Ward criticised the protestors.
He said they could very well spread to the COVID-19 virus locking down regional NSW even longer.
Image : Supplied
A man has been charged over an alleged robbery in Bomaderry earlier this week.
Just after 9 pm on Monday the 30th of August, a man entered a service station on the Princes Highway at Bomaderry and allegedly demanded cash from a female employee.
The man stole cash before leaving the area and was last seen heading north on the Princes Highway in a black Holden Commodore sedan.
Officers attached to the South Coast Police District attended a short time later and established a crime scene.
Following inquiries, a 30-year-old man attended Nowra Police Station just before 3 pm yesterday.
He was subsequently arrested and charged with robbery, and demand property with menaces with intent to steal.
The Bangalee man was refused bail to appear in Nowra Local Court today.
Image: Glenn Ellard
South Coast Police have arrested a couple after they were allegedly caught in possession of methamphetamine.
Officers stopped a 44-year-old man in Nowra on Friday night who was allegedly riding a pushbike with no lights or helmet.
They searched him and allegedly found 20 grams of methamphetamine and $2,800 in cash while his 22-year-old female partner allegedly snatched a bag from police that contained prohibited drugs.
She is accused of bolting but officers chased her down and arrested her.
They've both been charged with various drug offences.
The man has spent the weekend in custody and will front Wollongong Local Court today while the women was released on conditional bail ahead of a court appearance next month.
Image: NSW Police
A road safety blitz by South Coast police last weekend has seen 35 drivers test positive for drugs and five blow over the limit.
A 45-year-old Sanctuary Point woman, banned from driving until 2024 was randomly pulled over in Sussex Inlet.
She allegedly provided false details to the cops and returned a positive drug test.
Officers also allegedly found ice in her vehicle.
Police said they expect to lay charges while a motorcyclist had his licence suspended and vehicle sanctions imposed after allegedly being clocked doing 131km/h in an 80km/h zone at Bendelong.
Image: Traffic and Highway Patrol Command
Five people have been issued with infringements over COVID-19 beaches at a construction site in Kiama.
Officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District were notified on Monday of workers allegedly from Sydney, staying in Kiama.
Police attended an address on North Kiama Drive about 7.30pm and spoke with the occupants, who were part of a construction team building a unit complex on Collins Street, Kiama.
Police attended the worksite about 11am yesterday and saw a number of employees run into a nearby carpark.
Officers located 33 workers and spoke to the project manager.
Following inquiries, five of the men were identified as being from local government areas of concern in Sydney.
Inquiries are continuing into further potential breaches.
A man has been charged with more than 30 child sex offences following an investigation into the historical alleged abuse of multiple teenage boys over more than two decades.
In July 2019, detectives from South Coast Police District commenced an investigation after receiving reports a teenage boy was sexually assaulted by a man who was known to him while at a youth group in the Nowra area on numerous occasions between 1968 and 1981.
During the course of the investigation, police received information that a further five boys had been sexually assaulted by a man while under his care at religious youth groups in Nowra, Bomaderry, and Kings Cross between 1968 and 1990.
Following extensive investigations, a 68-year-old man, who was a former youth worker, was issued a Court Attendance Notice on Thursday 10 June 2021 for 33 offences including buggery, indecent assault, sexual assault and incite indecent act on a person.
The man, from Northgate in Queensland, is due to appear at Nowra Local Court today.
Inquiries continue.
Image: Peter Andrea
A thousand dollar fine for a Freedom Warrior who allegedly breached public health orders at an anti-covid rally at Kiama yesterday.
The 31-year-old man was among a small group of protestors at the Kiama lighthouse after rally calls were sent out via social media posts.
Police, including the Public Order Riot team, was deployed.
He was detained by police after leaving allegedly Shellharbour in breach of stay-at-home orders.
Image: Glenn Ellard
The Nowra CBD and East Nowra have been targeted by graffiti vandals and Police are out to tag them.
It is an offence under the Graffiti Control Act to damage or deface property or be in possession of any graffiti implements.
The penalties include fines, clean-up orders, or a term of imprisonment.
Anyone who has information about illegal graffiti or can identify a ‘Tag’ should contact Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
Police said information will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
Images: NSW Police
After a weekend of big seas, surf and swell conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, and swimming .
Authorities said people should consider staying out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas.
Rock fishers should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean and seek a safe location that is sheltered from the surf.
Marine Area Command said Boaters planning to cross shallow water and ocean bars should consider changing or delaying their voyage.
(Jo, Mill and Rusty wave watch at Crookhaven Heads)
Boaters already on the water should carry the appropriate safety equipment and wear a lifejacket.
Boaters should remember to log on with their local Marine Rescue radio base, via VHF Radio or the Marine Rescue APP, and consider their safety management plan.
Images; Peter Andrea
A private jet has been forced to make an emergency landing near Nowra overnight.
Fire and Rescue NSW said the private Learjet with two people onboard made a mayday call just before 7pm last night because of a landing gear issue and requested to make an emergency landing at the HMAS Albatross airfield.
NSW Fire and Rescue, ambulance and police crews responded.
The aircraft was ordered to do a fly-over the Shoalhaven Bight and make an emergency fuel dump.
Emergency crews did a visual inspection of the plane's nose-wheel which was reportedly out-of-alignment before it made a safe touchdown at the Navy base.
The aircraft remains on the tarmac and will be assessed later this morning.
No-one was injured.
Images: Fire and Rescue NSW Nowra and Google Maps
A Kangaroo Valley cop is planning to put his body through ten hours of physical hell to help prevent youth suicide.
37-year-old Senior Constable Todd Cremer is raising money and awareness for the "Alive" youth suicide prevention program, which is looking to expand to the Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands.
Alive’s mission is to end youth suicide by providing in-house suicide prevention programs that build resilience, connection, and well-being that young people love.
Helping them not simply to survive, but to thrive and be fully alive!
He's hoping to raise 10-thousand dollars by doing 4-thousand burpees from dusk till dawn beginning on Friday the 10th of September.
Todd's fundraising page is Burpees for a Cause
Image: Supplied
Police are reminding the community of changed traffic conditions and road closures around the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions for L’Étape Australia this weekend.
In its fifth year, L’Étape Australia by Tour de France, is a world-class road cycling event for amateur cyclists run under professional conditions.
Four thousand cyclists are expected to compete in the event this Saturday (20 March 2021), which starts and finishes in Kiama.
Major road closures and contraflow arrangements will be in place.
With wet weather expected throughout the week and across the weekend, police are advising all road users to show extra caution and remain alert while on the road.
Lake Illawarra Police District Commander, Detective Superintendent Dean Smith, said safety is the number one priority for police.
“We are asking that the community remains respectful and courteous to other spectators, race participants, employees, volunteers at the event, police and local communities,” Det Supt Smith said.
“We will not tolerate any behaviour that deliberately disrupts the event or puts others in danger.
"It is important that everyone obeys the direction of police, traffic management crews, and event officials.
“If there is heavy rain or the roadway is flooded, pull over in a safe place and wait for the flood water to recede or find another way to your destination.”
There are two components to the event; ‘The Race’ that starts and finishes in Kiama – involving around 3,000 riders – and ‘The Ride’ which starts in Kiama and finishes in Berry – involving 1,000 riders.
The routes travel through the towns of Kiama, Gerringong, Gerroa, Shoalhaven Heads, Bomaderry, Berry, Kangaroo Valley, Robertson and Jamberoo.
The Race: Delays will be experienced along the Princes Highway north of Gerringong and south of Kiama. Road closures will include Kangaroo Valley Road, portions of the Illawarra Highway, Moss Vale Road and Jamberoo Mountain Road at Robertson.
There will also be closures down Jamberoo Mountain through the township of Jamberoo, Saddleback Mountain Road and Manning Street, Kiama.
The Ride: Road closures will be on place on Bolong Road and Coolangatta Road between Shoalhaven Heads and Bomaderry, as well as Coolangatta Road between Shoalhaven Heads and Berry.
Roads will begin closing at 4am and will progressively open throughout the day, with all closures expected to be lifted by 5pm.
A route map can be found via the L’Étape Australia website: https://letapeaustralia.com/routes/
In the interest of road safety, both pedestrians and motorists need to be aware of their responsibilities and make sure they obey all directions from police and traffic controllers.
For more detail about road closures and live traffic reports, refer to the live traffic website: www.livetraffic.com
In a bizarre incident, police stopped a Holden utility on Mount Ousley Road today when they noticed a man sitting on a garden chair in the tray of the ute, accompanied by his dog.
Police say the vehicle tray was loaded up with household items, as well as the man on a chair, and heading south from Airds to Ulladulla.
The male driver, his inside passenger and the man in the back of the ute claimed they weren't aware that what they were doing was wrong.
The driver copped a $349 fine and loss of three demerit points, while the man in the back was issued an infringement notice for travel in an unenclosed part of vehicle for carrying goods, and was also fined $349.
Photo South Coast Police
A man has been charged after allegedly defrauding an elderly woman of almost $25,000.
Earlier this month, an 81-year-old woman was contacted via a social media messaging service by a person claiming to be an agent from the Australian Federal Police
He allegedly instructed the woman to attend a bank on two separate occasions to withdraw a total of $24,000.
On each occasion, an agent named ‘Alex’ attended her home to collect the money.
The woman yesterday again went to a bank branch at Narellan and spoke to staff who notified police.
Detectives from Camden Police attended and commenced an investigation.
A 36-year-old man was arrested outside the woman’s Harrington Park home.
During a search of his vehicle, investigators allegedly located an envelope containing $12,800 cash, withdrawn from a Bowral bank branch.
He is charged with two counts of obtaining property by deception, attempt to obtain property by deception, and recklessly deal with proceeds of crime.
The Bankstown man was refused bail to appear at the Picton Local Court.
Police are warning the public not to provide any personal information over the phone and to contact their local police station should they receive a phone call from someone they don’t know requesting money.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Camden detectives or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Image: Peter Andrea
A Mollymook mother is appealing for people to be proactive about racism after her two Australian Egyptian sons were attacked in a Mollymook Park on Monday afternoon.
Emily Richardson says her sons, Ziad aged 18 and Nazar, 15, were set upon at a park in Mitchell Parade by two men and a woman who threw bottles and racially abused them before jumping on the bonnet of their car and smashing the windscreen.
Police were called and arrested one of the alleged attackers, a man in his 20s, who will face Milton Court in January.
Ms Richardson has received incredible support from the community, however she says it's not the first time her sons have been the victims of racism.
"I keep telling the boys take the high road - you can't react badly because that's just giving them what they want," she said.
"I tell them to just try and be the peacemaker.
"You can't change people's attitudes if you react in anger, but it's getting harder because they are angry when these things happen.
"How many more times will I have to tell them to de-escalate, to take the high road, that they can't control other people's actions, they can only control their own reactions?"
Ms Richardson said her sons were scared and jumped in their car to try and get away.
"They called them the N-word, they hurled racial slurs at them and threw beer bottles at them," she said.
"Then, for good measure, one of them jumped on our car and kicked in the windscreen."
Ms Richardson says she has had "incredible" support from the community, including Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley who said she was "really shocked that this happened just down the road from where I live".
"I’m not that naive to think that racism doesn’t exist in our city - for it most certainly does - but we need to find a way to get rid of it - it serves only hateful purpose," Cr Findley added.
"Nazar and Ziad are beautiful young men respected by their peers and loved in this community."
Ms Richardson is calling for people in the community to take a stand against racism and be proactive.
"It's not enough anymore to say you're not racist," she said, "being not racist and being anti-racist is not the same thing - one is passive, the other is active.
"Don't think that this kind of stuff isn't happening, because it is. Regularly. Often. All the time."
Ziad was the 2020 vice captain at Ulladulla High School and was awarded the year 12 Citizenship Award on Monday.
He plays basketball with the Illawarra Hawkes and is a member of the Mollymook Surf Lifesaving Club.
He has been offered early entry into Wollongong University and, in his school leadership role, has advocated strongly against racism, encouraging students to show their support by wearing one black and one white sock.
Nazar is the former school captain of Milton Public School and both boys have been involved in the Milton Follies Theatre group and played in representative basketball teams.
Photo supplied.
A man has been injured in an alleged stabbing in Nowra overnight.
Police and ambulance were called to a home at Schregel street at about 9oclock.
It's reported the man had a two stab wounds.
He was taken to Shoalhaven hospital in a stable condition.
Police are investigating.
Image; NSW Police
The NSW Police Force will launch Operation STAY AT HOME from 12.01am Monday 16 August 2021, in a significant boost to public health order enforcement efforts across the state.
The operation will utilise resources from all Police Districts and Police Area Commands under Metropolitan and Regional Field Operations alongside officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command, Dog and Mounted Unit, and a number of other specialist commands as required.
Significantly, 1400 officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command will be dedicated to both static and mobile COVID-19 compliance operations on the state’s roads.
A further 500 Australian Defence Force troops, in addition to the 300 already deployed, will assist with compliance checks and patrols.
Operation STAY AT HOME will be coordinated from the Police Operations Centre (POC) in Sydney under the command of Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the NSW Government was supporting the Commissioner’s call for assistance in the most practical way.
“The Commissioner asked for tighter Public Health Orders and the government agreed, the Commissioner asked for higher fines and the Government agreed, and the Commissioner asked for more ADF personnel and we have an additional 500 highly-trained ADF personnel arriving to assist,” Mr Elliott said.
“We’ve had to tighten the current public health orders because of the minority who exploited them. Enough is enough. If you do it, you will get fined.
“The only way out of this COVID-19 crisis is if we support each other and support the NSW Police-led compliance operation, Operation STAY AT HOME.”
Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon, Metropolitan Field Operations, said the operation would see more police on the ground across Greater Sydney, utilising some of the strongest powers ever given to police.
“The level of non-compliance by some members of the community is unacceptable and we will be doubling down with compliance and enforcement to make sure we get ahead of the Delta strain,” Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said.
“It only takes one person to do the wrong thing to facilitate considerable spread of the virus.
“We will be issuing $5000 fines to people and closing any businesses which continue to breach the health orders, and will not apologise for these increased enforcement efforts going forward.”
Deputy Commissioner Mick Willing, Regional NSW Field Operations, said preventing movement to regional areas from Sydney, and between regional areas, would be a key focus of the operation.
“There will be more roadblocks on main arterial roads and backroads from tomorrow, and these operations will continue to expand throughout this week in order to enforce the permit system announced by the NSW Government this morning,” Deputy Commissioner Willing said.
“There will be nowhere to hide if you are doing the wrong thing. If you travel anywhere beyond your LGA at the moment, you are putting everyone else in NSW at considerable risk.
“From the start, this has been about reducing movement across the state and protecting the health and safety of everyone, and this operation significantly strengthens those efforts.”
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Image: Supplied
Police are out in numbers during Operation Stay at Home, which is enforcing the NSW Government's statewide lockdown.
A checkpoint has been set up at Bombo near Kiama to prevent those locked down in Greater Sydney from trying to get to the Shoalhaven and South Coast.
Police will also be cruising arterial roads and back roads, as well as patrolling roadside rest stops and transport hubs, to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Anyone traveling into the regions must apply for a permit.
There are fines ranging between $500 to $5000 for those caught breaching Public Health Orders.
Images: Supplied
An 18-year-old P plater has been busted doing 146km/h on the Princes Highway at Gerringong while being restricted to 90km/h an hour.
The young male driver told Lake Illawarra Highway patrol that he was heading to Nowra to collect some goods for work.
Police said he was fined $2547 for exceeding the speed limit greater than 45km/h and deducted six demerit points.
His licence was also suspended and confiscated by police for six months.
Image: Traffic and Highway Patrol Command
Police have released multiple images of man as part of an investigation into an incident at Kiama Train Station.
Wollongong Police Transit Command are appealing for public assistance to identify the male.
Police said they would like to speak with the man in relation to an incident at Kiama Station on Wednesday April 28.
Any information can be provided by calling Wollongong Transit Police on 4220 2405 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Images: Lake Illawarra Police District
Police are hunting a man after a robbery at a Bomaderry Service station on the Princes Highway overnight.
A female attendant was confronted by the offender who demanded money at about five past nine.
He took off with cash and was last seen heading north on the Princes Highway in a black Holden Commodore.
Police arrived a short time later and established a crime scene.
Investigations continue into the robbery.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
Image: Greg Ellard
A man has died following a stabbing at Sanctuary Point overnight.
About 8 pm on Sunday, July 25, emergency services were called to a caravan park on Ethel Street, Sanctuary Point, after reports of a stabbing.
Upon arrival, officers attached to South Coast Police District entered a cabin and located a man, aged 49, with a stab wound to the chest.
Officers attempted CPR on the man, however, he could not be revived and died at the scene.
Police were told a man was seen running from the caravan park, shortly after the incident.
A crime scene was established and an investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Bay and Basin Police Station or Nowra Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Inquiries continue.
Image: Supplied
A former police officer has appeared in court charged after allegedly filming an 11-year-old girl in a shower at a South Coast home on September 8th.
Officers attached to the Professional Standards Command investigated the alleged incident and charged a 47-year-old former Nowra Police officer, with aggravated filming a person in a private act without consent.
He resigned from the police force later that day.
The former officer appeared before Port Kembla Local Court and was granted bail.
He is due to appear before the same court on November 4th.
Image: Dave Clark
A man is due before Nowra Local Court charged with seven offences after his arrest at Sanctuary Point.
Police were patrolling Idlewild Avenue on Tuesday evening when saw a motorcyclist riding on the footpath without a helmet.
It's alleged he was also carrying a long object wrapped in fabric.
Officers pulled him over to speak with him and noticed the 26-year-old no longer had the object with him.
Police were approached by a man who handed them the long object that had been discarded nearby, which was found to be an air rifle.
Further checks revealed the motorcycle was unregistered and the man was allegedly in possession of methylamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
The alleged offender was taken to Nowra Police station and charged with seven offences including not keep a firearm safely, possess an unregistered firearm in a public place, and possess a prohibited drug.
Image: Peter Andrea
Police have allegedly discovered a cache of homemade weapons during a car search at Nowra yesterday.
Officers pulled over a vehicle just after midday at the intersection of McDonalds Avenue and Albatross road.
They searched the 24-year-old driver and allegedly found a live round of ammunition and a spent cartridge.
They then searched the car and seized a homemade handgun, a homemade rifle, a homemade shotgun and a machete.
The driver and a 28-year-old passenger were both taken to Nowra Police station - the 24-year-old charged with firearms offences and was refused bail.
The other man was released pending further inquiries.
Image: Glenn Ellard
Detectives have released CCTV images as they continue to investigate an armed robbery at an Ulladulla newsagency in late April.
Just before midday on Thursday April 29, a man – armed with a knife and with a stocking covering his face – entered the business on Wason Street and threatened a 53-year-old female employee.
Another employee, a 49-year-old man, intervened and handed the man cash before he fled.
Police believe the robber then took off in an older model red ford sedan.
The suspect is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander in appearance, aged in his late 20s, about 175cm to 180cm tall with stubble.
Any information can be provided by calling Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
Images: NSW Police
Police across southern NSW are putting the spotlight on domestic violence through until the end of August.
South Coast Police District Commander, Superintendent Greg Moore, says police will step up their visits to homes that have been the scenes of repeat domestic violence problems, making sure the conditions of apprehended violence orders and being met.
“You can certainly expect to see a much higher frequency of all of the strategies that we adopt in term of trying to reduce violence in the community, in particular our home visits on the high risk households,” Superintendent Moore said.
“We’ve found that has been a very effective strategy in address household where we have repeat victims of home violence or repeat perpetrators, so we’ll be attending those addresses with increased frequency.”
But officers will not be alone, as they will often have support workers there to help address social and mental health issues.
“It’s not only police but you can expect to see our partner agencies going out there as well,” Superintendent Moore said.
“For example if there’s an issue in the household with some substance addictions, or a mental health challenge, we will be in a position to attend those houses and support those households, and hopefully prevent the cycle of violence kicking back in.”
Superintendent Moore said the COVID lockdown had brought restrictions on movement and financial pressures through reduced work for many.
He said hose pressures often led to an increase in domestic violence, which police were trying to prevent.
“We know the risk is there, but police are very good at identifying the houses where the risk might be up a bit, and will be proactive to get to those houses and talk to those occupants more frequently,” Superintendent Moore said.
And he stressed, “Domestic and family violence is a crime. Police remain committed to helping victims of domestic violence and will not hesitate in bringing offenders to justice.”
Anyone experiencing domestic or family violence should report to police or utilise the other support services available, including:
Police across southern NSW are putting the spotlight on domestic violence through until the end of August.
South Coast Police District Commander, Superintendent Greg Moore, says police will step up their visits to homes that have been the scenes of repeat domestic violence problems, making sure the conditions of apprehended violence orders and being met.
“You can certainly expect to see a much higher frequency of all of the strategies that we adopt in term of trying to reduce violence in the community, in particular our home visits on the high risk households,” Superintendent Moore said.
“We’ve found that has been a very effective strategy in address household where we have repeat victims of home violence or repeat perpetrators, so we’ll be attending those addresses with increased frequency.”
But officers will not be alone, as they will often have support workers there to help address social and mental health issues.
“It’s not only police but you can expect to see our partner agencies going out there as well,” Superintendent Moore said.
“For example if there’s an issue in the household with some substance addictions, or a mental health challenge, we will be in a position to attend those houses and support those households, and hopefully prevent the cycle of violence kicking back in.”
Superintendent Moore said the COVID lockdown had brought restrictions on movement and financial pressures through reduced work for many.
He said hose pressures often led to an increase in domestic violence, which police were trying to prevent.
“We know the risk is there, but police are very good at identifying the houses where the risk might be up a bit, and will be proactive to get to those houses and talk to those occupants more frequently,” Superintendent Moore said.
And he stressed, “Domestic and family violence is a crime. Police remain committed to helping victims of domestic violence and will not hesitate in bringing offenders to justice.”
Anyone experiencing domestic or family violence should report to police or utilise the other support services that are available, including:
A three-year-old boy is still missing almost two days after his disappearance from his family's rural property in the NSW Hunter region.
Hundreds of volunteers and police have been scouring bushland for Anthony "AJ" Elfalak around his family's 260-hectare farm at Putty, near Singleton, since he went missing about 11.45 am on Friday.
Police were still searching for the toddler, who has autism and is non-verbal, as of 7 am on Sunday.
Officers were looking into whether an amber alert needed to be issued, indicating AJ had been abducted on Saturday, but are yet to do so.
"At this point in time AJ remains missing, and our search continues," Superintendent Tracy Chapman told reporters on Saturday.
AJ's relatives fear he may have been taken from the property, family friend Alan Hashem wrote in a Facebook post, appealing for community members to keep an eye out for the child.
"No words other than, 'broken' we will not stop, until we find this precious boy! AJ Elfalak," he wrote on Saturday night.
NSW police have issued a geo-targeted message asking people in the area to look out for the child.
More than 100 volunteers are assisting police on foot and on dirt bikes, but police discouraged any more volunteers from coming forward to search on Saturday.
Divers also searched a large dam on the property, which was also drained during the search.
AJ is believed to be wearing a grey jumper and pants, as well as sneakers, and is described as being of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern appearance, with short, dark hair.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Image: NSW Police
Despite repeated warnings about a traffic blitz, Police are amazed and angered about the number of motorists caught for drug driving in the Shoalhaven and South Coast during the June long weekend.
10 drivers were over-the-limit returning positive roadside breath tests and 22 tested positive for driving with drugs in their system.
South Region Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Chief Inspector Bob Pedersen said "It is extremely disappointing, it's becoming more prevalent than alcohol at this stage."
He said "The incidences of drug driving is abhorrent at this stage, all over the state."
"There have been masses of people who have been caught driving with drugs in their system." Chief Inspector Pedersen said.
He added "Anyone who is affected should not be behind the wheel of a motor vehicle."
There were no fatalities on Shoalhaven - South Coast roads and crashes were down on last year.
129 drivers were caught speeding and another 96 offences detected.
Images: supplied
South Coast Council areas have seen mixed results in the latest crime statistics report.
The Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands experienced a major increase in reports of sexual assault during March, according to the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.
The report released yesterday show the Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands had an average of 13 reported sexual assaults each month, but that nearly doubled to 25 during March.
Officials praised the courage of victims and survivors who have come forward.
They believe the increased number of reports has been influenced by several high-profile cases that have drawn intense media coverage.
Kiama has seen a drop in non-domestic violence-related assault, but there's been an increase in malicious damage to property.
There's an increase in sexual assault and fraud across Shellharbour, but a drop in break and enters, and steal from motor vehicle.
Images: Supplied
Emergency response in the South Coast region has been boosted after the handover of three state-of-the-art vehicles to the NSW State Emergency Service at Nowra and St Georges basin yesterday.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott joined the Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock and NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York to officially handover a $185,000 ‘Light Storm Vehicle’ to the NSW SES Nowra Unit, and to attend the NSW SES St Georges Basin Unit to handover a $185,000 ‘Light Storm Vehicle’ and a $90,000 ‘General Purpose’ vehicle.
Mr Elliott said the new equipment forms part of the $56.4 million NSW SES fleet replacement program funded by the NSW Government over four years.
“These volunteers are out in extreme weather events helping fellow community members during times of need,” Mr Elliott said.
“I am committed to supplying them with the tools they need to carry out their invaluable work,” Minister Elliott said.
Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock said the vehicles were a welcome addition for the local communities.
“These vehicles mean the Nowra and St Georges Basin communities are protected by the best possible equipment as we head into the storm season,” Mrs Hancock said.
“The vehicles and the SES Volunteers that man them will be a welcome sight during any emergency.”
NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York welcomed the new additions, saying the vehicles will be of great assistance to volunteers in emergency response situations.
“It is crucial that our volunteers have access to vehicles that are well-equipped to combat the difficult circumstances they face during an emergency,” said Commissioner York.
“These vehicles will be used daily by NSW SES volunteers as they work to prepare communities for severe weather and support those impacted by floods and storms,” Commissioner York said.
The minister also commissioned a new rescue vessel at the Sussex Inlet Marine Rescue headquarters.
Photos supplied.
A new Marine Rescue vessel was also commissioned at Sussex Inlet. Story HERE
A serving police officer has been charged with drink driving on the state’s South Coast.
On Friday the 7th of May 2021, officers from South Coast Police District commenced an investigation after receiving reports a 40-year-old man allegedly drove his vehicle under the influence of alcohol while off-duty.
Following inquiries, the man, who is a detective senior constable attached to a command in the Southern Region, was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice for drive whilst under the influence of alcohol.
He is due to appear before Cooma Local Court on Wednesday 22 September 2021.
His employment status is under review and his driver’s licence has been suspended.
Image: Supplied
The Shoalhaven Emergency Services Community awards for 2021 were announced overnight at the Dunn and Lewis Centre in Ulladulla.
Winners were NSW Ambulance officer Tara Picker, the Fire and Rescue NSW award winner was John Dun and the Rural Fire Fighter award was earned by Ronald (John) Ashton.
The State Emergency Service NSW award recipient was Allan Pheeney and William (Patch) Welch is the Marine Rescue NSW award winner.
The Shoalhaven Officer of the Year award was earned by Senior Constable Kyle Wilson from the NSW Police.
Image: Graham McGillivray
Kiama MP Gareth Ward could face charges of sexual violence against two males following a Police investigation.
NSW Police media this morning provided the following statement.
'Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad previously established Strike Force Condello to investigate allegations of sexual violence-related offences against a 39-year-old man.
The incidents were reported to have occurred in 2013 and 2015.
The 2013 incident involves a man, then aged 25, and the 2015 incident involves a male, then aged 17.
New South Wales Police have now submitted a brief of evidence to The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (NSW) in relation to those individual matters.
Investigations are continuing and no further information is available.'
Mr Ward has denied any wrongdoing since being informed of the allegations by a journalist and has said he is yet to be interviewed by Police over the allegations.
He has resigned from the Liberal Party to sit on the cross-bench.
Mr Ward also resigned as Families, Communities and Disability Services Minister.
Gareth Ward's Kiama electorate office said Mr Ward is aware of the Police Media statement and on advice from his lawyers is declining to make any comment at the moment.
Images: supplied
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A truck fire is causing delays on the Hume Highway near Marulan.
Emergency services responded to reports of a truck alight along the northbound lanes of the Hume Highway, Marulan at about 1.30 this morning.
The fire was extinguished by NSW Fire and Rescue.
Significant damage was sustained to the truck.
It is believed the truck was carrying a large volume of paint and batteries which are now the subject of a clean-up operation.
Officers from The Hume Police District attended and implemented a traffic diversion.
All northbound lanes of the Hume Highway are currently closed, one southbound lane is also closed.
Traffic is being diverted for 3km from George Street through the township of Marulan.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area.
Delays are expected until at least mid-morning.
There are no reports of injuries.
Inquiries are continuing into the cause of the fire.
Image: Google Maps
Two men have been extradited from Queensland and charged over an alleged armed robbery at Sussex Inlet in 2019.
The State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad established Strike Force Dalwood to investigate an armed robbery at a registered club in Sussex Inlet on Thursday 25 July 2019.
Police allege in court two men forced entry to the premises, one armed with a firearm and sledgehammer, the other armed with a machete and sledgehammer, and threatened six staff members, before locking them in a room and stealing cash.
No one was injured during the incident.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives raided two addresses in Broadbeach, Queensland, where they arrested two men, aged 34 and 43.
The men were taken to Southport Magistrates Court where detectives applied for and were granted their extradition to NSW.
The pair were remanded in custody and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station where they were both charged with robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon.
Images; Sussex Inlet Bowling Club
Updated NSW Ambulance information........ Emergency crews are working to free a woman, believed to be in her twenties, trapped in a vehicle which has crashed into a house on the Princes Highway at Milton on the South Coast.
The Toll rescue helicopter with a critical care doctor and paramedic on-board is on its way to the scene.
A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said the crash happened at about 7.30pm.
At this stage its not known whether anyone inside the house has been injured.
Image: Supplied
Kiama MP Gareth Ward is back advocating for his electorate in the wake of sexual violence allegations that surfaced via a journalist just over a month ago.
Ward is yet to be interviewed by police despite the allegations forcing him to step down from the Liberal party and as Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services.
"I haven't received any advice as to what the allegations are.
"They (Police) have a job to do and I'm not reflecting on that at all," Ward said.
Ward denies any wrongdoing and has maintained that position since the allegations surfaced on May 13.
"These allegations were put to me by a journalist.
"How that journalist found out about those allegations is a matter for conjecture.
"I can't allow what might be happening in the background to detract me from the important work I have as a local member of parliament," he said.
Ward has a number of items on his work agenda.
He has launched a petition calling on the NSW government to allocate much needed funding to upgrade Bomaderry High in the state budget.
"I've still been working and I think because of what's been suggested through a journalist, obviously that carries with it a huge burden but I want people to know that I'm still working and still delivering as the local member.
"That's what I'll always continue to do while I've got the privilege of being the local member of parliament," he said.
Ward said he would not seek out NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller to find out exactly where the investigation is at and what the allegations are.
"That would be entirely inappropriate.
"It's an independent Police investigation, that's a matter for Police," Ward said.
The Premier was shocked and distressed by the claims but Ward wouldn't be drawn into revealing if and what support Gladys Berejiklian has offered him since.
"I'm not going to comment on what other people may or may not be doing.
"My focus is getting on with the job.
"Whatever may be happening in the background, that's a matter for those that are dealing with those matters.
"I'm not going to let it detract from my focus as the local member which is the job I love, the community I love and is what is so important to me right now and always will be," he said.
Ward laughed off a question about whether or not he will ever return to the Liberal party.
"Oh look, let's just see what happens with the investigation.
"As I say that's a matter for Police and I have every confidence and faith that they will thoroughly investigate," Ward said.
Written by Travis Winks
Images: Gareth Ward Facebook
The NSW SES Wingecarribee unit was activated by NSW Police to assist in locating a missing bushwalker overnight.
NSW SES teams searched and thankfully the missing man was located in good spirits and without injury.
This is a timely reminder to be prepared when embarking on a bushwalk or hike and to account for all the possibilities:
* download the emergency+ app so that we can quickly determine your location and reach you safely and efficiently
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/emergency/id691814685
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details...
* Prepare for extremes of weather and always ensure you have ample food, water, and spare clothing
* Do not embark on unfamiliar bush walks late in the afternoon
* In emergencies dial 000, stay calm, and remain in one location.
Image: Wingecarribee SES
A brawl involving four males in Bomaderry has left a 19-year-old hospitalised with a serious head injury.
South Coast Police said that two men were walking along Leonard Street in Bomaderry around 4.45pm yesterday when they became involved in a fight with two other males.
"During the fight a 19-year-old man suffered a serious head injury," Police said.
"It appears the injured man may have been hit over the head with a coffee mug."
He was taken to Wollongong Hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.
No charges have been laid with investigators appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Images: NSW Police and Google Maps