THE BEAT: Dozens of live lobsters stolen from boat at Margate

A well known crayfishing family is counting the cost after dozens of fresh lobster were stolen from their boat. LATEST POLICE NEWS >>

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For the latest, follow The Beat, the Mercury’s live breaking news blog with the latest traffic, police, fire and ambulance news across the state.

Police on lookout for cray gang

Sunday March 7

THIEVES have stolen dozens of lobsters from a local fishing family’s boat.

Tatnell’s Live Rock Lobsters were robbed of up for 80 crayfish from their boat at Margate, worth about $3500.

It comes a blow for the family, which is dealing with the fallout from COVID and the China-Australia trade difficulties.

We are appealing to the public to get in contact with us or Tasmanian Police if they saw suspicious activity at the...

Posted by Tatnell's Live Rock Lobster on Saturday, March 6, 2021

Chelsea Tatnell said the theft happened on Thursday night or early Friday morning.

“We realised that we should have had bout 150-ish on board but we only had about 70 or 80,” she said.

Booran skipper Jack Tatnell who has been selling crays at Margate. Picture: Chris Kidd

“We called the police straight away and we’ve put an appeal out on social media to see if anyone knows anything.”

She asked people to be on the look out for anyone with a large quantity of lobsters they were trying to sell or find somewhere to store.

Anyone with information about the theft is urged to contact police.

Man struck by car, killed in Epping Forest crash

Sunday, March 7

A LAUNCESTON man has died following a fatal car crash near Epping Forest.

Just before 9pm Saturday, police and emergency services attended the scene, where a 43-year-old Launceston man, who was on the roadway, was struck by a vehicle.

He died of his injuries at the scene.

The Midland Highway at Epping Forest was closed until about 1.30am.

Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or who has dashcam footage of the incident or driving behaviour of a silver BMW X5 prior to the crash.

Contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au with any information.

Police operation urges motorcycle safety

Sunday, March 7

A WEEKEND of action in the state’s west aims to keep motorcyclists safer on Tasmanian roads.

Last year, four motorcyclists were killed and 71 were seriously injured across the state.

Sadly this year two motorcyclists have already been killed with 18 seriously injured.

Tasmania Police Inspector Gary Williams said in response to a tragic number of crashes involving motorbikes, police in the Western Road and Public Order Services would be conducting traffic operations across the long weekend to encourage safe riding behaviours.

“The targeted traffic operations are as much about educating members of the public as they are about detecting those who drive in an intentionally irresponsible manner on our roads,” he said.

He urged all road users to remember motorcyclists are more vulnerable than drivers, with the consequences of crashes often devastating.

“I implore all motorbike riders to remember that when riding a motorbike, your actions on the road ultimately play the greatest role in whether or not you get home safely,” Inspector Williams said.

“Our goal as police this weekend is to do whatever we can to ensure that we are not delivering tragic messages to loved ones this long weekend.”

Police urge motorcyclists to:

• Be aware of heightened vulnerability
• Understand your actions and choices directly influence your safety and level of risk on the road
• Anticipate and avoid hazards and risks by employing sage riding practices and wearing protective clothing
• Be away that motorcycle riding demands more focus and a more complex skill-set than driving a car
• Be aware of your abilities and limitations
• Never undertake risky rider behaviour

P-plater allegedly caught 90km/h over the limit

Saturday, March 6

A PROVISIONAL driver is set to appear in court after police allegedly caught her speeding 90km/h over the speed limit.

About 6.15pm Saturday, police were conducting traffic patrols of the Devonport Bluff area where they allegedly detected a blue Mitsubishi Lancer travelling 17km/h above the posted limit of 50km/h on Coles Beach Rd.

The driver was a 21-year-old Ulverstone women who has held a first-year provisional licence since January 15.

She was informed she would receive an infringement notice.

Later at 11pm, police allege they detected the same car travelling on the Bass Highway at Lillico at 190km/h.

Police intercepted the vehicle with the same 21-year-old behind the wheel.

As a P1 holder, she was restricted to a maximum speed of 100km/h.

Police clamped the woman’s car for 28 days and she has been summonsed to appear in court.

Firearms seized following residential dispute

Saturday, March 6

FIREARMS have been seized from a northern residents after a shots were fired into a Hadpsen home.

Just before 9am Saturday, Launceston police attended the residence at Kipling Crescent after the shot was allegedly fired in a property-related dispute.

The people were known to each other and police say there was no threat to the public.

Detectives from Launceston CIB later conducted a search at a Newnham residences where a firearm, ammunition and drug-related paraphernalia were seized.

A 28-year-old Newnham man was charged with firearm related offences, including recklessly discharging a firearm and possession while not holding a licence.

He is also facing minor drug-related charged.

He was detained to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on Sunday.

Any information about the incident can be provided to the Launceston CIB on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au with any information.

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