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An automated number plate recognition operation was held in Anzac Ave and Emily St, near the Coolabah roadhouse.

A total of 775 car number plates were checked with one driver detected driving without a licence and four other penalty notices issued for unregistered motor cars. The Sheriff’s office also assisted in the day-long operation, clearing 110 outstanding warrants, with more than $30000 of outstanding debts addressed.

Help stop theft

There has been another spike in theft from motor cars, with thefts occurring in Delhi St, Mallet Cr, Heffey Ct and Abdallah Rd.

Again portable property such as iPods and money was taken from usually unlocked cars parked in driveways. In at least two of the incidents a person was seen or heard within the vicinity of the offences.

Police are urging residents to contact them straight away if they see anyone loitering around the streets, whether it be day or night, for no apparent reason.

Detective Senior Constable Jamie Emond said if a person raised interest or suspicion then there was probably a reason for that.

Wicket ‘out’

Investigations are continuing into the theft of a ‘‘wicket’’ cover from a Chittick Park cricket pitch, sometime between about 6pm on February 2 and the next morning.

The cover was unpegged from the ground and would have needed at least two people to carry it away. If anyone saw any activity around the pitch during that time, can they please contact police.

Exhaust can ignite

Police would like to warn motorists to be careful when parking or stopping cars on long dry grass. A recent incident near Nagambie, where the hot exhaust of a car ignited the grass underneath resulted in about 12ha of grassland being burned before it could be extinguished by fire brigades. Other small spot fires have occurred in the past when people have stopped briefly on the side of the road with the motor still running. If possible, park the car on a cleared dirt area away from any vegetation.

Altercation involving assault

A man had to be subdued by OC spray on Thursday night after he was involved in an altercation with a woman in Tallarook St, just outside the police station. After police witnessed the initial incident and tried to calm the man down, it is alleged he become increasingly agitated. The 34-year-old has been charged with several offences, including assault, assault of police and resisting arrest, and will appear in court in March.