Fire, wind tough taskmasters
Bacchus Marsh SES crews showed their versatility last week. Unit controller Bill Robson said local volunteers assisted fire brigades with a house fire in Young Street last Wednesday afternoon. They also helped out when wild weather brought down a tree on Old Melbourne Road, Ballan, on Thursday afternoon and another in Wellington Street, Darley, on Friday morning.
Biker damages house, and herself
A Melton woman, 27, received serious injuries after an unregistered motorcycle she was riding veered off the road and through a fence before hitting a house and breaking several windows in Blamey Drive. Police said the woman was not licensed to ride a motorcycle and did not appear to have tried to brake or slow down before leaving the road. Investigations are continuing as to whether a medical condition may have contributed to her losing control.
Dognappings continue
Eight dogs have been stolen from Bacchus Marsh properties as fears grow they are being taken for use in illegal dog fights or puppy farms. Bacchus Marsh’s Senior Sergeant John Gibson said 11 dogs had been stolen in Moorabool since September last year. There have also been numerous reports of attempted dog thefts. Investigators are appealing for information after several dogs were spotted in the back of white and green utes, both possibly HiLux or similar make. “We’re not 100 per cent sure they’re linked to the thefts, but the drivers of these cars have been acting suspiciously in the Ballan and Bacchus Marsh areas,” he said. “Some people have been seen whistling at dogs and then driving off at a rate of knots when spotted.”
Fast food staffer attacked, injured
A woman was injured after two people held up a Ballan fast food outlet on March 16. The store on the Western Highway was closed when the offenders entered at 11.30pm, but the woman, an employee, was still on the premises. Detective Sergeant Brendan Van De Duim said police believed the offenders were armed with a syringe. The woman, 28, was injured before the offenders left in a car, carrying cash. The woman was taken to Ballarat Hospital with minor injuries.
