The Beat: Man drowns trying to help secure a rogue yacht at Tamar River
A man has drowned after trying to assist a yacht whose moorings came loose in wild weather. LATEST POLICE NEWS >>
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Wednesday June 9, 9.30pm
A man has drowned after trying to assist a yacht whose moorings came loose in wild weather.
Police say the 66-year-old went out onto the Tamar River, Deviot about 2.40pm in a small boat to help secure the rogue yacht when his vessel capsized.
A witness called triple-0 and Tasmania Police found the man in the river unconscious, where they administered CPR.
Ambulance Tasmania then treated the man, but he could not be saved.
Tasmania Police said he was wearning a lifejacket.
“Tasmania Police would like to remind all boat users to be aware of local weather conditions and boat safety when using the water,” they said.
“An investigation will be conducted for the Coroner and also Marine and Safety Tasmania.”
Boat breaks loose from mooring in wild weather
Wednesday June 9, 5pm
Two locals have tried desperately to secure a yacht after they noticed it had drifted from its dock in the harsh weather.
Police are on the scene at the Tamar River, Deviot and medical assistance is being given to those involved in the incident.
“Two people from the shore reportedly entered the water in a small boat in an attempt to secure the vessel,” Tasmania Police said.
The yacht reportedly broke loose some time before 4.45pm today in the state’s north.
Police have said more details will be provided when available.
Calls for a dedicated police station and increased patrols at St Leonards
Tuesday June 8, 4.14pm
A LAUNCESTON supermarket owner who has been robbed twice in broad daylight in less than a year has called for a dedicated police station in the St Leonards area and increased police patrols.
St Leonards Supermarket and Newsagency owner Mian Ahmad was held up at gunpoint on Saturday afternoon at about 4pm by two masked men who demanded cash from the till and cigarettes before fleeing in a stolen vehicle.
“We need to have more police patrolling, two or three times a day and during the night to reduce the crime,
“The population in the area is growing and they need more staff and more patrols so you aren’t giving a chance to these kind of people,” he said.
Less than 12 months earlier Mr Ahmad was robbed during the afternoon, with the offender brandishing a crossbar.
Mr Ahmad has been operated the store with his wife Ayisha Babar for two years after immigrating from Pakistan.
“Crime is increasing, in the last two, three days we have people come in the store and shared their stories that their house was broken into, that someone has tried to break into their car, and the hairdressers just opposite, someone tried to break into them just two weeks ago,” Ms Babar said.
Ms Babar said they are talking with others in the local area about ways to increase security.
“If we are not supported by government or police we will do something private because we have to,” she said.
Mr Ahmad said his son, 16, and his daughter, 14, were shaken by the incident.
“They are still in shock, especially my daughter she’s not talking with anyone,” he said.
The couple praised the community for the strong support they have received, saying because of it they were able to open their doors the day after the robbery.
“We are not planning to close, we love to serve the people here, they are our strength, they are our support,
“That is why we are still here, we are very strong, we are very positive,” Mr Ahmad.
Police say they have located the white Ford Courier ute linked to Saturday’s robbery and it will undergo forensic testing.
The offenders, described as medium build and height, remain on the run.
Vehicle of interest located – St Leonards armed robbery incident
Tuesday, June 8, 9.15am: The vehicle of interest in relation to the St Leonards armed robbery on the weekend has been located and will now be subject to forensic testing.
Police would like to thank members of the public for their assistance leading to the location of the vehicle.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Police release photo of vehicle of interest
Police have released CCTV of a white Ford Courier ute they believe was involved in an armed robbery at a St Leonards supermarket on Saturday afternoon.
The vehicle has a canopy on the back and sports black roof racks. Anyone who may have seen the ute in the area around 4pm is being urged to contact the Launceston Criminal Investigation Branch on 6777 3911 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Shop owner held up in “scary” robbery
A LAUNCESTON shop owner has spoken of his horror at being held up at gunpoint by two masked men in a brazen armed robbery in broad daylight.
Police said two men, each with firearms, entered the St Leonards Supermarket and Newsagency about 4pm on Saturday afternoon.
They demanded the male staff member hand over cash and cigarettes, which he did, before the men fled in a white Ford utility that has now been reported as stolen.
That staff member was Mian Ahmad, who contacted the Mercury about his ordeal, saying he was alone in the store at the time of the robbery.
“Two men came in with firearms … they are just shouting like ‘open the till’,’’ he said.
“They were covering (their faces) with hoodies and masks, had gloves on their hands, and I haven’t seen their faces properly.
“There was not much money (in the till) … mostly people do EFTPOS.”
Mr Ahmad said it was the second time he had been robbed in the space of 12 months.
“It’s really very scary if you are having the same incidents in just one year,’’ he said.
“I have noticed especially in St Leonards, crime is increasing every day and it’s a major issue we have here, especially for business owners.
“I’m still in shock. I closed the shop immediately. I’m not sure what is going to happen for the next day, should I open the shop or not?
“Maybe I need some counselling … it’s really shocking.”
Mr Ahmad, emigrated to Australia from his native Pakistan three years ago with his wife and their two children aged 16 and 14.
“I’m trying to have a good future life for my kids. That is why I came here,’’ he said.
Police said the men were described as being medium build and height, wearing masks, gloves, and caps.
Investigations are ongoing and police are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who saw a white Ford Courier ute with a canopy on the back and black roof racks in the area around the time of the incident.
No physical injuries were sustained during the incident.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information was urged to phone the Launceston Criminal Investigation Branch on 6777 3911 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police investigate suburban assault
POLICE investigations are continuing into an assault in West Hobart that left a man with several wounds to his neck and legs.
Just before 10pm on Friday, police were called to a home in Hill St following an altercation between two men.
Police said one man had multiple wounds to his neck and legs and the other had minor injuries.
The wounded man, a 38-year-old from West Hobart, left the scene, but was found shortly after in Warwick St where police gave him first aid before paramedics arrived.
He was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital where he underwent surgery for non-life threatening injuries and was in a stable condition on Saturday.
Police set up a crime scene at the Hill St address where investigations, including forensic examination, were ongoing.
“The public should be reassured the police were on the scene very quickly and were able to locate and render first aid to the victim,” police said in a statement.
“Preliminary indications are this incident involved parties that were known to each other, and police investigations are continuing.”
Police are calling for anyone who witnessed or may have information regarding the assault to contact them on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.
Firearms, cash, drugs allegedly found in crashed car
Charges have been laid after a police search of a 35-year-old’s Ford Falcon allegedly uncovered ammunition, cash, drugs and a firearm at Chigwell. The details.
Everybody appearing at Hobart Magistrates Court, Tuesday, October 15
Here is a list of people appearing at Hobart Magistrates Court on October 15.