Melbourne north crime: Man bashed as Fawkner property dispute turns ugly

A man has been punched several times in the face after a dispute over damaged property in Fawkner turned ugly, while a devious shopper stole a credit card left in an EFTPOS machine in Preston.

A man police want to speak to after another man was punched several times in the face after a dispute over damaged property in Fawkner turned ugly.

A man has been punched several times in the face after a dispute over damaged property in Fawkner turned ugly.

Police spokeswoman Nikki Ladgrove said the “minor dispute” between two men at a McBryde St home started about 2am on February 29.

She said the aggressor, who was not known to the victim, punched him multiple times in the face before fleeing the scene in a taxi with a woman.

“The 42-year-old victim sustained serious facial injuries during the incident and was transported to hospital,” she said.

Moreland Crime Investigation Unit detectives on Friday released images of a man they want to speak to about the incident.

He is described as caucasian, about 170-180cm tall, with a thin build and dark blond hair.

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

PRESTON

A devious shopper has stolen a credit card that was accidentally left in an EFTPOS machine at a food outlet in Preston. Police said the owner of the credit card attended a store at a Murray Rd shopping centre just after 2pm on February 29. She used her credit card but accidentally left it the EFTPOS machine before the woman in line behind her took the card. “The card was then used at six stores in the shopping centre to purchase clothing and cigarettes,” police said. The woman police want to speak to is described as aged in her 20s with a medium build and long brown hair and was wearing a black singlet, black leggings and has a tattoo on her left shoulder and arm. Police have released images of a woman they believe may be able to assist.

Police have released images of a woman they believe may be able to assist with an investigation.

LALOR

A teenage boy has suffered life threatening injuries after the car he was in crashed into a tree in Lalor. Police said an orange sedan was seen travelling on High St towards Epping just prior to the incident when it accelerated and attempted to overtake a group of cars. The driver then lost control and crashed into the tree on Duncan Rd just after midnight on March 14. A 16-year-old boy was transported to hospital in a critical condition with life threatening injuries. The driver, a 19-year-old Doreen man was uninjured and is assisting police. The other passengers, aged 15 and 14, were assessed for injuries at the scene. Anyone who saw the orange vehicle driving in the area, who witnessed crash or who may have dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

FLEMINGTON / ASCOT VALE

Six warrants have been issued for the arrest of Bradley Ottaway.

Six warrants have been issued for the arrest of Bradley Ottaway in relation to drug, theft, handling stolen goods and driving related charges. Police have appealed for public assistance to locate the 27-year-old who is known to visit the Flemington and Ascot Vale areas. Police have released an image of Ottaway, who is described as caucasian, about 180-185cm tall, with a medium build, a fair complexion and blue eyes.

PARKVILLE

Police are searching for Victor Houbron after he skipped court in relation to charges of theft and breaching community corrections orders. A warrant has been issued for the 37-year-old who was last known to be in the Parkville area. Houbron is about 175cm tall, with a medium build, short brown hair, an olive complexion and a large tattoo of a tiger on his upper right arm. Police have released an image of Houbron in the hope someone may have information on his whereabouts.

Police are searching for Victor Houbron.

FAWKNER

A woman has been assaulted in the front passenger seat of a stationary car in a Coburg street. Police said a woman and man were in a vehicle parked in Allen St when they were approached by a man about 7.45pm on March 5. The man became verbally aggressive towards the pair before reaching into the front passenger seat and assaulting the woman. He then ran away. Police have released images of a man they want to speak to over the incident. He is described as being of Indian Sub-Continental appearance, between 175-180cm tall, with a solid build and brown hair.

Police have released images of a man they want to speak to.

Police have released images of a man they want to speak to.

GLENROY / COBURG / ABERFELDIE

Benjamin Murad is wanted by police over an outstanding warrant for firearm and bail related charges.

Benjamin Murad is wanted by police.

Police have appealed for public assistance to help find the 31-year-old who is known to visit Glenroy, Coburg and Aberfeldie. Police have released an image of Murad in the hope that someone may have information on his current whereabouts. Members of the public are urged not to approach Murad if sighted and should contact police.

PRESTON / RESERVOIR

A man has died after his car struck a tree in Preston on March 11. Senior Constable Alistair Parsons said the Mazda 3 was travelling south on Albert St when it left the road and struck a tree just before 8.10pm. The driver and sole occupant, a 36-year-old Reservoir man, was taken to hospital where he died. Police will prepare a report for the coroner. Anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have dashcam footage of the car is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

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