BERWICK
Thursday, 5 October, 2023
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
@StarNews_SE
/berwickstarnews
40¢ Inc. GST
Call for food truck help
Beauty meets the bleak
Bears to bounce back
PAGE 4
PAGE 10
PAGE 19
SPORT
12496498-DL22-21
Tributes flow for icon
One step at a time For two years, Rachel Lee has been participating in the Black Dog Institute’s One Foot Forward, helping to raise awareness of Australians suffering from mental illness. After the passing of her best friend Daniel Stone in 2021, Rachel was plunged into a deep state of grief, not knowing what to do with herself. It was after finding One Foot Forward on Facebook that Rachel had found some purpose, an outlet for the grief that she had been harbouring. Bringing together participants from across the country, the event has seen more than 20,000 signatures as of late, with people walking, running or rolling 40, 60, 100 or 150 kilometres throughout October. Story page 8 Rachel Lee is participating in this year’s One Foot Forward challenge in memory of her best friend Daniel Stone. 363969 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Burglaries surge By Violet Li There’s been a surge in burglaries and thefts in Casey in the 12 months to June this year. Residential aggravated burglaries soared by almost 90 per cent to 446 over the past year and exceeded the pre-Covid level in 2019 by 103 per cent, latest crime data shows. Non-aggravated residential burglaries have risen by 25 per cent to 744. Motor vehicle theft has increased by 83 per cent to 1033 since last year.
The number of thefts from a motor vehicle is 30 per cent above the 2022 level to 2452. Other thefts have increased by 52 per cent to 1987 from 2022. Casey Local Area Commander, Inspector Stuart Richards said overall crime in Casey was at its second lowest level since 2014, factoring in population growth. “The overall number of homes being broken into across Casey increased year-on-year, however, this number remains comparatively
low when compared to earlier in the decade,” he said. “For example, in 2017 there were almost 700 more Casey homes broken into than current levels. “While this is positive, aggravated home burglaries are an area of focus for local police.” Mr Richards said aggravated home burglaries often feature youth offenders who try to get in and out without being detected. “Our intelligence indicates 95 per cent of
these incidents are non-confrontational,” he said. “Theft from motor vehicle in Casey also remains well below pre-pandemic levels, with 489 less offences than pre-COVID.” Mr Richards reminded residents to lock their door and not leave garage doors open while unattended. “Often, car keys are left near points of entry, making them easy for offenders to locate,which are subsequently used to steal cars,” he said. Continued page 5
WE MAKE CASEY CARDINIA SMILE
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.30 pm Suite 5, Level 1/18-24 Clyde Rd, Berwick Phone: (03) 9330 0702 | info@seortho.com.au | www.seortho.com.au
NARRE WARREN 12587079-AI04-23
Orthodontic Treatment for children and adults utilising the latest technologies including SureSmile, Invisalign, lingual and clear appliances. We offer flexible, interest free payment plans to make orthodontics accessible to everyone. Strict hygiene and physical distancing policies in place
FOR ALL YOUR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS CNR NARRE WARREN NTH & LAUDERDALE ROAD PH: 9705 8800 12504455-AV30-21