A man has died following a multi-vehicle crash on the Highlands yesterday.
Emergency services responded to reports of a crash involving up to 10 vehicles in the northbound lanes of the Hume Motorway at Wilton, just south of Picton Road at about 3 pm.
The driver of a Mitsubishi Fuso, a 43-year-old man, was trapped inside his vehicle.
He was released by Fire and Rescue NSW and treated by paramedics, however died at the scene.
Officers from Camden Police Area Command established a crime scene.
Five drivers from other vehicles involved in the crash were taken to Campbelltown Hospital for mandatory testing.
The Crash Investigation Unit has commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Local serving Shoalhaven Police officer Sergeant Mick Tebbutt has retired after 33 years in the Force with South Coast Police District.
A plumber by trade, Sgt Tebbutt had always dreamed of a career in the cops, and when the opportunity arose, he grabbed it with both hands.
He was 32 when he joined the NSW Police Force in 1989 and was first stationed at Port Kembla Police Station.
After a just one year, he transferred to Nowra Police Station, where he remained for the rest of his three-decade career, first in General Duties, before making the move to Shoalhaven Highway Patrol.
Sgt Tebbutt has received several awards in the past three decades for his dedication to keeping his community safe.
In 2003, Sgt Tebbutt received the Commander’s Commendation in recognition of professional police work, involvement and support in the effort to preserve life and property during the Hylands bushfire emergency in December 2001 and January 2002.
The following year, in 2004, he received the National Police Medal was awarded the Region Commander Unit Citation for exemplary actions performed during the bushfires near Albatross Road.
With disregard for his own safety, Sgt Tebbutt rushed to warn residents in the direct path of the fire, which then passed over the police vehicle.
In 2015, he received the National Police Service Medal.
Sgt Tebbutt has been described as a father figure for the new troops.
“He has been the backbone of Nowra Police Station for almost 30 years. 33 years of service is a hell of a long time in anyone’s book,” said Chief Inspector Brian Pedersen, Traffic Manager, Far South Sector.
Sgt Tebbutt says it’s his community and his colleagues who kept him in the Force for so long.
“A job is just a job, it’s the people you work with who make it worthwhile,” he said.
Retirement plans involve the father of four and grandfather of seven travelling and spending more quality time with his family and mates.
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.
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.
UPDATE: All three men have been charged and have been refused bail to appear in Moss Vale Local Court today.
Three men have been arrested in connection with an alleged armed robbery at Buxton.
Just after nine o'clock last night, Police were called to a supermarket on East Parade.
Police says two employees – a 47-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman – closed the store and were leaving when they were allegedly threatened by three unknown men -
One was armed with a firearm and one with a knife.
The trio demanded cash before the male employee was allegedly stabbed in the hand.
Cash and personal belongings were allegedly stolen from the employees before the three men fled in a white Toyota SUV.
Just after 10pm, Police stopped a white Toyota RAV4 in an industrial estate on Lancaster Street, Ingleburn.
Three men – aged 38, 37 and 30 – were arrested and taken to Narellan Police Station.
The male employee didn't require medical treatment for a minor hand injury.
A 23 year old man has been arrested at Nowra, and will reappear in Wollongong Local Court, after an attack at Mascot in Sydney last month.
Two men have been charged after a man suffered stab wounds following a break and enter at a unit block in Sydney’s south last month.
About 6am on Wednesday 29 December 2022, officers attached South Sydney Police Area Command were called to a unit on John Street, Mascot, where they located a man with multiple wounds to his upper body.
Police will allege two unknown men forced entry to the unit, when the 61 year old man, and only occupant of the unit, confronted the men.
An altercation ensued and the man was stabbed a number of times.
The two men fled the scene a short time later, taking items including cash and jewellery.
The injured man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a serious condition, he has since been released.
A crime scene was established at the unit and the surrounding neighbourhood was canvassed.
Following inquiries, about 9.45am Wednesday 5 January 2022, a 23 year old man was arrested at a home on Ferry Lane, Nowra.
The man was taken to Nowra Police Station where he was charged with specially aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence – wound.
The man appeared at Wollongong Local Court on Thursday, where he was refused bail, to reappear at Wollongong Local Court today, Friday 7 January 2022.
About 11.40am Thursday 6 January 2022, a 22 year old man was arrested on Wentworth Avenue, Sydney.
He was taken to Mascot Police Station, where he was charged with specially aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence – wound.
The man was refused bail, to appear at Parramatta Local Court today.
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.
A Southern Region police officer has been charged for allegedly assaulting a man while on duty.
Officers from Lake Illawarra Police District began investigating the alleged incident at the start of the month and charged the 44-year-old senior constable with common assault yesterday.
He'll front Nowra Local Court on November 9.
Police said the officer's duty status currently is under review.
Police are urging the community to be on the lookout for counterfeit money circulating the Shoalhaven.
People should be on the lookout for counterfeit $50 and $100 notes.
Anyone who is handed one of these notes is asked to contact Police.
Tips in determining a fake or genuine note:
Genuine notes are made of plastic and will bounce back if scrunched in your hand.
Check the clear window, it should be part of the banknote, not an addition.
You shouldn’t be able to scratch the white image on the window of $20, $50 or $100 notes.
When you hold the banknote to the light, you should see the Australian Coat of Arms.
Look for the ‘star’; diamond-shaped patterns are printed inside a circle on both sides of the banknote. When you hold it up to the light, the patterns should line up perfectly to form a seven-pointed star.
The printing should be sharp. Check for irregularities such as less clearly defined patterns, and thicker or thinner lines, or colour differences.
If you hold the note under a magnifying glass, you should see tiny, clearly defined words.
Overall, genuine banknotes don’t fluoresce, apart from the serial number and special patches that do fluoresce under UV light.
Police advise when checking a banknote, inspect a range of features from the list above and don’t rely on just one or two features.
Anyone with information about this incident should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
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.
Homicide Squad, Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Walpole, thanked members of the public for their support and information provided to police following an appeal for information into the murder of 49-year-old David McArthur.
At about 8 pm on Sunday 25 July 2021, emergency services were called to a caravan park on Ethel Street at Sanctuary Point, following reports of a stabbing.
Upon arrival, officers entered a cabin and located David McArthur with a stab wound to his chest.
Officers attempted CPR however, he could not be revived and died at the scene.
A second man has been charged with murder following an investigation by Homicide Squad detectives.
The 41-year-old Nowra man was refused bail when he appeared before Nowra local court last week.
On Wednesday, October 20, detectives attended a correctional facility at Silverwater and charged a 39-year-old man with murder.
He remains before the courts.
“Detectives have worked tirelessly to put those responsible for David’s murder before a court, however the resulting arrests this week would not have been possible without the Sanctuary Point community’s ongoing assistance,” Det Ch Insp Walpole said.
He said, “David died because of an unnecessary act of violence and I’m hopeful his extended family and his parents, Susan and Stuart, feel as though some justice has taken place this week.”
Investigations under Strike Force Frawley continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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.
Officers from Mittagong Highway Patrol charge a 37 year old Tasmanian man twice in two days with serious driving offences with the assistance of Heavy Vehicle Inspectors from Transport for NSW.
The driver was first detected on the 16th March 2022 following a speed detection where it was discovered that his drivers licence was disqualified until 2030, the heavy vehicle he was driving was unregistered, not carrying his work diary and failing a road side drug test.
Two days later on the 18th March 2022 Transport for NSW Inspectors notified police that a heavy vehicle had failed to stop as directed at the Marulan Heavy Vehicle Checking Station.
Highway Patrol officers were able to intercept the heavy vehicle which stopped just south of Marulan.
The driver was subjected to a road side drug test which returned a positive indication for methamphetamine.
Officers also located a radar detector fitted to the heavy vehicle.
An inspection of the heavy vehicle found that its speed limiter had been modified to 161kph.
An Officer arrested the driver and he was conveyed to Goulburn Police Station and underwent further testing.
He was charged with driving whilst disqualified 2nd+ Subsequent offence.
He was issued a penalty notice in relation to the radar detector and given strict bail conditions to not occupy the drivers seat of a vehicle and to be of good behaviour.
Officers from Transport for NSW took action in relation to the tampering of the speed limiter, failing to stop when directed, not keeping a work diary and the vehicle was issued a major grounded defect notice.
Further charges are pending the laboratory analysis of the drivers oral fluid sample.
A man has been caught drink driving more than five times over the legal limit at Nowra.
Around 4pm yesterday, Emergency Services were called to the Princes Highway after a hatchback and an SUV – both travelling south collided on the Princes highway.
The 40 year old driver of the hatchback was taken to Nowra Police Station where he allegedly returned a blood alcohol reading point 258.
He was charged with High Range PCA and had his licence suspended and vehicle impounded
The man who's from Ryde will appear in Nowra Local Court next month.
It's an under reported crime and exact statistics are impossible to gauge , but drink spiking is believed to occur anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 times per year in Australia.
About 4.30pm on Tuesday 18 January 2021, officers from South Coast Police District responded to the intersection of the Princes Highway and Twelve Mile Peg Road, Jerrawangala, after reports of a single-vehicle crash.
Police assisted the driver of a Holden Commodore after he had lost control and hit an embankment.
The 31-year-old man was treated by paramedics and taken to HMAS Albatross before being airlifted to Canberra Hospital.
A critical incident investigation is underway after a man was injured in a crash following a pursuit in the Lake Illawarra region.
About 3.15pm on Saturday the 29th of January, officers attached to Traffic & Highway Patrol attempted to stop a Holden Commodore that was allegedly speeding on the Princes Highway at Willowvale.
The vehicle failed to stop as directed and a pursuit was initiated, before being terminated a short time later due to safety concerns.
A further pursuit was initiated and as road spikes were deployed on Bolong Road, the Commodore collided with a second vehicle at the intersection of the Princes Highway.
The driver of the Commodore fled the scene, while the passenger, a 17-year-old girl was arrested and taken to Nowra Police Station.
The driver of the second vehicle , a 24-year-old woman was uninjured.
Her passenger, a 24-year-old man was taken to Shoalhaven Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Subsequent inquiries revealed the Holden Commodore had been reported stolen.
An extensive search of the area was conducted by local police, however, the driver was not located.
The teenage girl was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner and passenger not disclose driver’s/other passenger’s identity.
A critical incident team from Lake Illawarra Police District will investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident.
That investigation will be subject to an independent review.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
Five new police officers are heading to the South Coast command after graduating from Goulburn's Police Academy today.
There are also three heading to Wollongong, and two to Lake Illawarra.
The Probationary Constables are among 200 completing their training at the academy, before heading to stations across the state for an extra year of training on the job.
Deputy Premier and Police Minister Paul Toole congratulated the new probationary constables, saying they will be deployed to areas where they are needed the most.
He said every attestation ceremony was a significant occasion for the Police Force and the community.
“We are proud to offer our continued support to the NSW Police Force to ensure it has the very best people, training facilities, and technology to keep our communities safe,” Mr Toole said.
Acting Police Commissioner David Hudson said the ceremony was an important opportunity to recognise the commitment of Class 353, as well as their families and friends.
“Behind every police officer and every probationary constable is a family and a network that plays a critical role in supporting our people,” Acting Commissioner Hudson said.
“It’s more important than ever that we ensure our police have our utmost support so that they can enjoy long and successful careers.
“It’s also a unique and special occasion when we see new police dogs enter the Force. The value police dogs bring to policing – including criminal investigations and critical incident response is significant and should be recognised.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner Toby Lindsay said a career in policing was exciting and rewarding.
“As a probationary constable engaged in general duties policing you can expect to be working with and helping the community,” Acting AC Lindsay said. “You will also undertake a wide range of investigations including motor vehicle accidents, stealing offense, assaults and more.
“In addition to general duties policing, there are more than 100 specialist roles in support of our frontline police and community.”
Five people have been injured during a three-car accident on the Princes Highway at Falls Creek at about 11.15am this morning.
All were believed to have been aged in their 70s.
They included a man who suffered head and abdominal injuries while being ejected from his vehicle, and a second man who suffered head injuries.
They were both taken to Shoalhaven Hospital in stable conditions.
Three woman had to be extricated from their vehicle - one with leg and shoulder injuries was airlifted to St George Hospital in a serious condition, while a second was taken to St George Hospital in a stable condition with chest injuries.
A third was taken to Wollongong Hospital in a stable condition.
NSW Ambulance Inspector Chris Lahene said the patients were "incredibly lucky to be alive" following a "major deployment of emergency resources".
“Paramedics arrived to a challenging scene with patients both trapped and ejected from a vehicle in the middle of the highway," he said.
“Paramedics worked with the aeromedical teams to triage and stabilise all the patients.”
Five NSW Ambulance paramedic road crews, three NSW Ambulance Inspectors, two Toll Ambulance rescue helicopters each with a critical care doctor and critical care paramedic on board, and a Special Casualty Access Team paramedic were dispatched to the scene.
The Princes Highway remains closed in both directions.
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.
A former teacher has been charged over the historical alleged sexual abuse of two young students in the Southern Highlands more than 35 years ago.
In September 2019, officers attached to The Hume Police District commenced an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse at a school at Burradoo in the late 1980’s.
Following extensive investigations, officers arrested a 74-year-old man at Campsie Police Station at about 10am on Tuesday 18 January 18.
He was charged with 13 offences, including five counts of sexual assault, assault and commit an act of indecency, six counts of sexual assault , incite an indecent act person under 16 years, and two counts of homosexual intercourse with male aged between 10 and 18 years.
Police will allege in court that the man sexually abused two male students, then aged 13 and 14, on numerous occasions between 1985 and 1987.
The Lakemba man was refused bail to appear at Bankstown Local Court today.
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.
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.
Southern Highlands Police have been monitoring roads in and around the Southern Highlands overnight
The following roads are closed:
* Burrawang Illawarra Highway between Church St and Burrawang Station Road
* Moss Vale Road into Kangaroo Valley
* Range Road Mittagong (between Old South and Tourist Road)
* Drapers Road Braemar near the Freeway overpass.
* Bowral Street, (between Albert and McDonald) Old South Road, Bowral
* Shepherd Street, Bowral near the Bowral Bowling Club
* Kirkham Road (between Mount Rd and Centennial Ave) Bowral
Police anticipate that Mittagong Road near the Bowral Swimming Pool will be cut off again sometime today.
Overnight the water only narrowly receded below the road surface and with the expected forecast for rain it's being closely monitored.
Late yesterday afternoon, emergency Services assisted a number of people who were impacted by flood waters in homes and vehicles near the Mittagong Creek between Old South Road and Bowral Street.
Also along the Cherry Tree walk all the way towards the Mittagong Road and the Bowral swimming Pool.
Berrima Buses announced late yesterday that no school buses will be operating today (Tuesday).
Police are asking motorists to exercise caution whilst driving on roads
There is extensive damage to the surface with pot holes and pitting occurring.
Expect to find soft edges on some roads without kerb and guttering.
Exercise caution in area with cuttings and step banks due to possible land slips or rock falls.
Strong winds are expected later in the day, and emergency Services fear that due to the saturation of the soil, trees will be weakened at the roots.
Unfortunately Police are still receiving many calls for people travelling through flood waters and disobeying closure signs.
Police, SES and all Emergencies Services are stretched across the whole of the East Coast and compliance is needed to avoid tragedies.
Police are appealing to all drivers to limit movement where possible.
Never drive, ride or walk through flood waters and check on elderly neighbours.
POLICE FIRE AMBULANCE - 000 – Life Threatening Calls
A man has died following a car and truck crash on the Highlands.
Emergency services attended Picton Road, Wilton, about 3km west of Macarthur Street, following reports a car and a truck had collided yesterday evening at about 7.45.
Officers attached to Camden Police Area Command, with the assistance of the Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit, arrived and found a Toyota Yaris and a truck had collided in the eastbound lane before the Toyota left the roadway, crashing into a tree.
The driver of the car, a 54-year-old man, died at the scene.
A crime scene was established, and an investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A 42-year-old man was breath tested at the scene and produced a negative result.
He was taken to Campbelltown Hospital for mandatory testing.
As inquiries continue, police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone who may have dashcam footage to contact Camden Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Homicide Squad detectives investigating the stabbing murder of a man at a Sanctuary Point caravan park have released CCTV vision of a person and vehicle and commenced a coordinated search of waters at Sanctuary Point.
At about 8 pm on Sunday 25 July 2021, emergency services were called to a caravan park on Ethel Street at Sanctuary Point, following reports of a stabbing.
Upon arrival, officers entered a cabin and located 49-year-old David McArthur with a stab wound to his chest.
Officers attempted CPR on the man; however, he could not be revived and died at the scene.
Strike force detectives returned to the South Coast to conduct a public appeal for information as part of ongoing investigations.
Acting on information, Homicide Squad detectives, assisted by officers from South Coast Police District, coordinated a search of waters around the Sanctuary Point Boat Ramp on Wednesday, October 13.
They removed potential evidence discovered among rocks for further examination.
Police also released CCTV vision of a utility and person at the Sanctuary Point boat ramp on the night of David’s death.
Homicide Squad, Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Walpole, said the search formed part of investigations being conducted throughout the week.
“Today we have canvassed the waters around Sanctuary Point Boat Ramp, a location searched by investigators soon after David’s murder back in July,” Det Ch Insp Walpole said.
“We have also reviewed CCTV from the area, which depicts a utility and an unknown person at the location about 8pm on Sunday 25 July 2021.
“Investigators don’t believe the person or persons in this utility were involved in the murder of David McArthur, however, they may have crossed paths with those in the offending vehicle and we’re keen to speak with them," he said.
Detective Chief Inspector Walpole said, “We now have several new lines of inquiry which we are exploring.
"Our door remains open to anyone who wishes to speak with us and help David’s family get the answers they deserve," he said.
Investigations under Strike Force Frawley are continuing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A man has been charged in connection with a crash that killed a woman at Currarong.
Just after 10.30am on New Years Day, emergency services were called to Currarong Road, after a Subaru Forester and a Hyundai sedan collided head-on.
The driver of the Subaru – a 26-year-old woman – died at the scene.
The driver of the Hyundai– a 20-year-old man – was treated by Paramedics for minor injuries before being airlifted to Wollongong Hospital where he underwent mandatory testing.
He was issued with a Future Court Attendance today for the offences of dangerous driving occasioning death (drive manner dangerous) and negligent driving (occasioning death).
The Currarong man is due to appear in Nowra Local Court on Monday March 14 2022.
A critical incident investigation is underway after police shot a man after two people were stabbed in Nowra on Saturday.
Police were called to a unit on Albert Street about 12.20pm, following a Triple Zero (000) call reporting a domestic violence-related incident.
Police arrived to find a woman suffering a stab wound to her neck. She was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to St George Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
A man was also located at the scene with a stab wound; he was taken to Shoalhaven Hospital in a stable condition.
Police on scene were approached by another man who was armed with a knife.
When the man threatened police, an officer discharged their firearm.
Police conducted CPR until paramedics took over; however, the man could not be revived.
A crime scene was established and a knife was seized, which will undergo forensic examination.
A critical incident team from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad will now investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The investigation will also be subject to an independent review.
A man has been injured after an alleged glassing attack on the Southern highlands.
Just after 6pm Saturday officers attached to The Hume Police District were called to a licensed premises on Moss Vale Road, Burradoo, following reports a man had been injured in a fight.
Police have been told a 54-year-old man was sitting at the bar when he was approached by a man aged in his 40s and woman aged in her late teens, before an argument broke out between the older man and the woman.
The woman allegedly struck the older man in the face with a wine glass before the 47-year-old punched the older man in the face.
The 54 year old was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Bowral Hospital.
Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward and call Southern Highlands Police on 4868 1222 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police have located the body of a woman who was reported missing in flood waters on the state’s north coast earlier this week.
About 9.50pm on Tuesday, officers from Richmond Police District commenced an investigation into the whereabout of a 55-year-old woman who was reported missing in flood waters at Monaltrie, approximately 5km south of Lismore.
Officers were informed that the woman had left Tullera, approximately 10km north of Lismore, on the same day and failed to arrive at her intended destination.
Following information from a member of the public the body a woman was located in flood waters near the intersection of Alexandra Parade and Tweed Street, North Lismore shortly before 7pm last night.
The body is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be that of the missing woman.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death is underway and a report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
The 2017 white Holden Captiva, with NSW registration YHS 51F, that the woman was travelling in has not yet been located.
Police are urging that anyone who locates this vehicle to immediately contact Richmond Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Southern Highlands Police are seeking information about a fatal crash at Moss Vale.
Just after 10 this morning, Emergency Services were called to the intersection of Argyle Street and Waite Street after a truck and motorcycle collided.
The male rider was trapped under the truck before being released.
He suffered critical head injuries and despite the best efforts of Paramedics, could not be saved.
He is yet to be formally identified.
The driver of the truck not injured and was taken to Bowral Hospital for mandatory testing.
Diversions are currently in place and motorists are being asked to avoid the area.
Parents picking their children up at Moss Vale Public School are being asked to do so on Browley Street and not Argyle Street.
An investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the crash and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
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.
Police have charged a man over the alleged stabbing of another man in the Illawarra overnight.
At about 12.40am today, police were called to a unit at Cowper Street Warrawong, following reports a 27-year-old man had been stabbed multiple times.
Police were told a 22-year-old man attended the unit before a physical altercation ensued between the pair.
The older man was allegedly kicked in the face before being stabbed several times in the abdomen and upper left leg by the younger man, who then fled the scene.
The injured man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to Wollongong Hospital in a stable condition.
Officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District were notified, and with assistance from the Dog Unit, conducted an extensive search of the area and located the younger man hiding in bushes nearby.
He was arrested and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station, where he was charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The Nowra man was refused bail and is due to appear at Wollongong Local Court today.
Police and emergency services are appealing for information as they continue to search for a woman believed to be missing in flood waters near Lismore.
About 9.50pm on Tuesday March 29, emergency services commenced a search and rescue operation near Wyrallah Road at Monaltrie, south of Lismore, after reports a woman had been trapped in her vehicle by floodwaters.
Police spent several hours searching for the woman and her vehicle, however have been unable to locate her.
Alina Brakel, aged 55, is described as being of Asian appearance, 150cm to 160cm tall, thin build, with black and red long hair.
Officers from Richmond Police District – with assistance from Police Rescue, Water Police and NSW SES volunteers – recommenced a search and rescue operation yesterday in the vicinity of Wyrallah Road.
As emergency service operations continue, police are urging anyone who may have seen a 2017 white Holden Captiva station wagon, with NSW registration YHS 51F, in the greater Lismore area to contact police immediately.
Police also remind people within flood affected areas to never enter, walk, ride or drive through floodwaters.
Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives are appealing for information after silver bullion valued at $1 million was stolen from a truck travelling between Sydney and Melbourne while on the Highlands.
Between 4.30pm on Friday 26 November 2021 and 8am on Monday 29 November 2021, a consignment of silver disappeared from a truck while in transit from Maldon, near Picton, to Melbourne in Victoria.
The theft was only discovered when the truck arrived in Melbourne.
Officers from Camden Police Area Command were notified.
The consignment, made up of 192 individual 5kg bars, was being transported by a Kenworth truck and silver Krueger trailer.
The silver bullion is estimated to be worth $1,015,000.
Following initial investigations by local police, State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Caimon.
Police are appealing for anyone with information about the incident, or who may have seen the Kenworth truck and Krueger trailer while in transit, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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.
One person is believed to be dead while another two are suffering from stab wounds following an incident in Nowra today.
Police have yet to release details of the incident near the corner of Kinghorne and Albert Streets.
However they have blocked off several streets at the southern end of Nowra's central business district, and near the Nowra Cemetery, as investigations continue.
Emergency services were called to a home in the area about midday today, following reports a man had been shot and two people stabbed.
Paramedics worked to save the man, but he was declared deceased a short time later.
A 27-year-old woman was taken to Shoalhaven Hospital for treatment to a wound to her neck.
Details of the incident are still emerging, and police investigations are continuing.
The four-day Queens Birthday long weekend traffic operation has now concluded, with one life lost on NSW roads.
A state-wide road policing operation ran throughout the Queen’s Birthday long weekend beginning at 12.01am on Friday June 10, ending at 11.59pm on Monday night.
With double demerits in force for the period, the high-visibility operation saw officers targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, driving while fatigued, mobile phone, helmet and other traffic offences.
During the campaign, 3,197 people were issued infringement notices for speeding, and 273 people were charged with drink-driving.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden, said the type of behaviour shown by a small number of motorists is unacceptable.
“While the rest of the state abides by the road rules, they are extremely lucky they did not harm themselves or other road users,” Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said.
“Over the weekend, one person lost their life in a crash at Sutton Forest.
"While this is four less than the same period last year, it is still one person too many." he said.
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.
A woman and two children have been released from hospital a week after their husband and father drowned at Hyams Beach.
The Hurlstone Park family got into difficulty while swimming last Friday afternoon before members of the public rescued a 13-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl.
A 45-year-old woman managed to get back to shore but the 40-year-old man was pulled from the water and couldn't be revived.
The woman and children were airlifted to Sydney for treatment.
Police are preparing a report for the Coroner and have asked for any witnesses to come forward.
Homicide Squad detectives have released CCTV footage as they continue to investigate the fatal stabbing of a man in the Shoalhaven earlier this year.
Just before 4.20am on Tuesday January 4, emergency services were called to the intersection of Haigh Avenue and Worrigee Street at Nowra, following reports a man had been located unconscious suffering a stab wound.
Officers attached to South Coast Police District attended and commenced CPR, however he died at hospital a short time later.
He has since been formally identified as 51-year-old Michael Kerr (pictured above).
Detectives from the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad established Strike Force Lodder to investigate the circumstances surrounding the man's death.
As part of ongoing investigations, strike force detectives have released CCTV footage of Kerr walking south along nearby Kinghorne Street a short time before he was injured.
Strike force detectives have also released CCTV footage of a vehicle which was seen in the area at the time of the incident which is described as being a white Mitsubishi ASX SUV.
Police also want to speak to a man who they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his early 20s, with brown hair; he's depicted in CCTV footage as a front seat passenger of the SUV.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage from the surrounding area between 3am and 5am on Tuesday January 4 or who may have information which could assist detectives to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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.
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.
Police have released the name of a man who was allegedly murdered at a Shoalhaven caravan park earlier this year.
He's been formally identified as 49-year-old Sanctuary Point resident, David McArthur.
David's father Stuart McArthur is expected to speak publically about his son's murder today.
Emergency services were called to a caravan park on Ethel Street at Sanctuary Point at about 8 pm on Sunday 25 July 2021, following reports of a stabbing.
Upon arrival, officers entered a cabin and located Mr. McArthur with a stab wound to his chest.
Officers attempted CPR, however, he could not be revived and died at the scene.
A man was seen running from the Palm Beach caravan park at about the same time.
Initial inquiries were conducted by officers from South Coast Police District before detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad took over the investigation, forming Strike Force Frawley.
Strike force detectives have returned to the region and are again appealing for public assistance into David’s murder.
Strike force officers and David's father Stuart McArthur will speak publically at a press conference later this morning.
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.
The search for a fisherman, believed to have been swept off rocks at Marsden Head in Kiama on Tuesday has resumed.
Police, Marine Area Command, PolAir, Marine Rescue and Surf Life Saving NSW spent a number of hours yesterday looking for the 34-year-old from Fairfield before suspending the search around 4.30pm.
Police said they'll be searching the land and sea in the same area today.
Duc Nguyen Ong was reported missing by his family after he failed to return home on Tuesday night.
Images: Marine Rescue Shellharbour and Google Maps
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.
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.
The body of a teenage boy has been located in the Shoalhaven River.
About 6.30pm on Friday 31 December 2021, two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, went for a swim in the Shoalhaven River at Burrier, when one of the teens got into difficulty.
The pair attempted to get back to shore, before one of the boys, aged 15, disappeared below the water and emergency services were alerted as members of the public commenced a search.
A joint multi-agency search has been conducted involving officers from South Coast Police District, police divers, NSW Ambulance, the TOLL rescue helicopter and the State Emergency Service (SES).
Just before 1.30pm on Saturday January 1 2021, the body of the 15-year-old was recovered after being located by divers in the river.
A teenager will appear in court charged with a string of alleged property offences following an armed robbery on the state’s South Coast.
Officers attached to South Coast Police District commenced an investigation following the alleged robbery of a bakery on Paradise Beach Road, Sanctuary Point, about 6.20am on Friday last week.
Investigators were also notified of an alleged theft from a hotel on Kinghorne Street, Nowra, about 5.20am yesterday, where a woman’s handbag was stolen.
Following inquiries, police arrested an 18-year-old man in the carpark of a shopping centre on East Street, Nowra, about 8.30am yesterday.
It will be alleged the man violently struggled with officers, kicking a female senior constable.
He was restrained and taken to Nowra Police Station where he was charged with more than 35 offences including robbery while armed with dangerous weapon, aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence - people there, aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence, enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, six counts of break and enter house and steal, 13 counts of larceny, five counts dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, two counts of shoplifting, resist officer in execution of duty, assault officer in execution of duty, possess prohibited drug, and breach of bail.
The teen has been refused bail to appear at Nowra Local Court today.
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
Half of the 38 heavy vehicles inspected by the Police Raptor Squad and Transport for NSW during a blitz around Nowra late last week have been written up for defects.
Police said 16 major and three minor defects were found while 15 penalty notices were issued for a number of safety and fatigue offences.
"Multiple transport operators were targeted in the Nowra area after they were identified as being well above the state average for safety issues since 2020," Police said.
27 roadside alcohol and drug test were conducted with two drivers allegedly returning positive indications for drugs while driving.
Police said officers and Transport for NSW inspectors will continue to monitor the identified transport operators to ensure safety and fatigue compliance.
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.
Police have arrested a suspect after an alleged armed holdup in the Shoalhaven.
Officers attended the IGA supermarket in Island Point Road, St Georges Basin on Friday night at about 6 pm after reports a man had threatened staff with a knife before running from the scene with an amount of cash.
The man was chased by several witnesses to the backyard of a house in St Georges Road.
The Dog Squad arrested a 19-year-old man at the scene, and he is assisting police with inquiries.
Detective from South Coast Police District have commenced an investigation.
Detectives have released further CCTV and are renewing their appeal for information, as investigations continue into the theft of silver bullion valued at $1 million from a truck travelling between Sydney and Melbourne.
Between 4.30pm on Friday 26 November 2021 and 8am on Monday 29 November 2021, a consignment of silver was allegedly stolen from a truck while in transit from Maldon, near Picton, to Melbourne in Victoria.
Upon arrival in Melbourne, the theft was discovered and officers from Camden Police Area Command were notified.
The consignment of 192 individual 5kg bars was being transported by a Kenworth truck and silver Krueger trailer.
The silver bullion is estimated to be valued at $1,015,000.
Following initial investigations by local police, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Caimon.
In December 2021, Strike Force Caimon detectives released an image of one of the missing silver bullion bars and the packaging in which they were stored.
Following further investigations, police have now released CCTV vision of a vehicle of interest, a dark coloured Toyota Landcruiser utility that was seen travelling on Argyle Street at Picton about 12.20am on Sunday 28 November 2021.
Detectives are urging anyone who may have information about the occupants or movements of the vehicles to come forward immediately.
Investigations under Strike Force Caimon continue.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Caimon investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000
Detectives have released dashcam footage as they continue to investigate the death, and suspected homicide, of a Shoalhaven teenager in a hit and run at South Nowra last month.
Emergency services responded to Old Southern Road, South Nowra, about 3pm on Thursday 24 February 2022, after reports a man had been hit by a utility.
The utility failed to stop and continued travelling north towards Greenwell Point Road.
The injured 18-year-old man, Taj Hart, was assisted at the scene by passing motorists until the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics.
He was taken to Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital but died a short time later.
Officers attached to South Coast Police District attended and established a crime scene.
With assistance from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, established Strike Force Altos to investigate the man’s death.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives identified and seized a vehicle, a white Mitsubishi Triton utility, from a Currarong address.
It is undergoing forensic examination.
As inquiries continue to identify the driver and any occupants at the time, investigators have now released dashcam footage of the seized vehicle depicted driving in a northerly direction on Old Southern Road, South Nowra prior to the collision.
Detective Acting Inspector Adrian Alston from South Coast Police District says investigators are working hard and are seeking assistance from the public to locate the driver.
“We are appealing to the community to help us piece together the moments leading up to the young man’s death.
“I would urge the driver, any occupants, or anyone with information to come forward and assist us with our inquiries,” Detective Acting Inspector Alston said.
“Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is important to investigators and may assist us in solving this matter.”
As inquiries continue, police are urging anyone with information or motorists with additional dashcam vision to contact Nowra Police on (02) 4421 9699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Inquiries into the incident continue.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
Detectives from State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad have arrested eight men and seized mobile phones, electronic items and illicit drugs, as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged transmission of child abuse material through an adult telephone service.
Earlier this year, Child Exploitation Internet Unit investigators established Strike Force Hank to investigate an adult telephone chat service used by a number of men to allegedly arrange the dissemination of child abuse material and discuss the sexual abuse of children.
Detectives have executed seven search warrants at locations across NSW, including Petersham, Cranebrook, Coffs Harbour, Shoal Bay, Gerroa, Surry Hills, and Stanmore.
During a subsequent search of the homes at Stanmore and Coffs Harbour, police allegedly located and seized quantities of cannabis.
Additionally, mobiles phones and electronic devices were located and seized for further forensic analysis from all seven locations.
Seven men, aged between 34 and 71, were arrested and charged over their alleged involvement in the chat service.
They remain before the courts.
Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty, said the investigation had uncovered alleged chat participants who were aggressive in their pursuit of child sex offending.
“We will allege that each of the men arrested by detectives over the past month expressed desires to engage in sexual activity with children, and in some cases, attempted to access child abuse material from other users of the service,” Det. Supt Doherty said.
Det. Supt Doherty said, “Producing, disseminating or possessing child abuse material are serious offences, and detectives will continue to dismantle these types of operations, so children are free from harmful situations, exploitation and abuse.”
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.
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.
A third man has been charged in connection with a serious alleged assault in Tahmoor.
Just after 4am Monday December 27, emergency services were called to a carpark in Thirlmere Way where thy found a 20-year-old man with serious head and facial injuries.
He was taken to Liverpool Hospital, and placed in an induced coma.
He's since been released.
Officers rom the Camden Police Area Command set a crime scene and began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assault.
A small hatchback, seen in the area, was later found burnt out in a nearby carpark
Two men, aged 26, were arrested and charged on Thursday.
They remain before the courts.
After further inquiries, Police went to a Tahmoor home just after 8am and arrested a third man, aged 28.
He was taken to Narellan Police Station and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s), dishonestly destroy/damage property for gain by fire/explosive, and false representation resulting in police investigation.
The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday.
Shoalhaven City Council has revealed the lives of three children were put at risk when they were rescued from fast flowing water after the Swan Lake entrance was allegedly illegally opened.
The artificial opening at Swan Lake was carried out by members of the public on 12 January 2022.
Shoalhaven City Council Manager of Environment Services, Dr Michael Roberts said NSW Police had advised council of three rescues involving children, who had been put at peril by the fast flowing water.
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries were alerted and will be enacting their compliance functions.
Council Rangers have also been in the area carrying out investigations as the artificial opening of the lake is an illegal activity as these works were not carried out in relation to the water trigger levels and Entrance Management Policy (EMP).
The intervention works created a 20-30-metre-wide channel, which poses a public safety risk.
People need to be made aware of the danger this has created.
The channel, when opened by natural means or by Council, is located to the south adjoining the rock platform.
This does not typically create a channel like the one that has formed from the recent artificial intervention.
Pending rainfall and tidal behaviour, it is expected that the sand bar will re-establish in four to eight weeks and return Swan Lake back to its natural form.
The entrance cannot be closed using any further artificial intervention.
In the meantime, signs have been posted by Council to alert the public to the swimming hazard.
Shoalhaven City Council Manager of Environment Services, Dr Michael Roberts said, “This channel, between Swan Lake and the ocean, has resulted in the lake artificially opening at too low a water level and in unsuitable conditions.
"This may lead to significant adverse environmental impacts on Swan Lake, such as low oxygen levels, associated fish kills as well as a significant swimming hazard," he said.
“It is an offence to open coastal lakes, or lagoons, using machinery or by hand, without a licence and could result in penalties of up to $220,000 per offence.” Dr. Roberts said.
Council operates an Entrance Management Policy for Swan Lake, and other coastal lakes in the Shoalhaven region, with licenses from various State Government Agencies.
This Policy allows Council to mechanically open Swan Lake to the ocean with an excavator to prevent flooding of low-lying properties surrounding the lake when the water level rises, typically following a large rainfall event, to a specific trigger level.
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.
A man and woman have been charged with the alleged sale of prohibited drugs via the internet.
Strike Force Superba was established in May this year, acting on information that packages of cannabis seeds were being sold online to interstate buyers.
Following extensive inquiries, officers attached to the South East Region Enforcement Squad, - with assistance from Southern High Visibility Police and the Domestic Violence High Risk Offenders Team – seized 76 packages of cannabis seeds from a post office in Vincentia on Thursday 7 July, and a further 72 parcels from the same post office on Tuesday.
Acting on information, police attended a home on Island Point Road, St Georges Basin, about 8.15am yesterday and arrested a man, aged 35, and a woman aged 37.
During a search of the home, police seized 9000 cannabis seeds, 1.2kg of cannabis leaf, magic mushrooms, electronic devices, cash, anditems allegedly consistent with the supply and sale of prohibited drugs.
The man and woman were taken to Nowra Police Station, where the man was charged with 13 offences, including seven counts of supplying prohibited drugs and dealing with the proceeds of crime.
The woman was charged with 12 offences including six counts of supplying prohibited drugs and dealing with the proceeds of crime.
They were granted conditional bail to appear in Nowra Local Court on Tuesday, August 16.
Police will allege in court that the seeds were imported from Europe and North America before being sold Australia-wide.
Inquiries under Strike Force Superba continue.
Anyone with information that might help Strike Force Superba investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Two men have been charged in connection with an alleged assault at Tahmoor.
Just after 4am on Monday December 27, emergency services were called to a carpark on Thirlmere Way.
Police found a 20-year-old man with serious head and facial injuries.
He was taken to Liverpool Hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma.
He has since been released.
Officers from the Camden Police Area Command set up a crime scene and started an investigation with a small hatchback later found burnt out in a nearby carpark
A 26-year-old man was arrested about 5pm yesterday in Campbelltown.
The man, from Airds, was taken to Campbelltown Police Station where he was charged with the following
* assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s) and dishonestly for gain damage property by fire/explosive.
A second man, also aged 26, was arrested at Campbelltown police station at 8.05pm yesterday and charged with the following:
* Assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s) and dishonestly for gain damage property by fire/explosive.
The Lumeah man was also charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm for a separate offence in January.
Both men were refused bail to appear in Campbelltown Local Court today.
A man driving an unregistered Ferrari has been clocked travelling 204 kilometres per hour at Goulburn.
Officers from the Hume Highway Patrol pulled the driver over, just after 7:30 this morning.
The 42 year old man from Rhodes was issued with a Court Attendance Notice for drive vehicle recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, exceed speed limit – over 45kph and use unregistered motor vehicle.
He's had his driver’s licence suspended and vehicle confiscated for three months.
The man will appear in Goulburn Local Court later this month.
More than 140 illegal, unregistered and unwanted firearms have been surrendered to Southern Region Police during the National Firearms Amnesty which began on July 1st.
The aim of the amnesty is to reduce the number of unregistered firearms in our homes and communities, making our streets safer.
In New South Wales, the amnesty allows for,
Firearms or firearm-related articles to be registered, supplied, or surrendered to a participating firearm dealer without fear of prosecution.
Firearms or firearm-related articles to be surrendered to a police station without fear of prosecution.
Prohibited weapons to be surrendered to a participating firearms dealer or police station without fear of prosecution.
Southern Region Police Commander Superintendent Greg Moore said, "It is in everyone's interest to get illegal or unregistered weapons handed in and out of harm's way".
"Since the first of July just in the South Coast Police District, we've had 140 firearms handed in so that's great to see, but we'd like to see that continue because we know there's more out there," he said.
Superintendent Moore is urging people to ensure weapons are stored legally and securely to, "avoid those firearms ending up on our streets in the hands of dangerous people."