By NATALIE GALLENTI
MELTON Police Station underwent sweeping changes during the holiday season with Inspector Mario Fiorentino saying goodbye to his role as top cop.
The inspector has moved to the Victoria Police Centre in Melbourne and has been replaced by Inspector Stephen Mutton, who comes with years of experience on the force.
The New Year was also welcomed with a spate of crimes and police are calling on the public to assist.
Police are investigating a stabbing incident which occurred at Studley Park Way, Caroline Springs on New Year’s Day at 2.30 am.
Detective Senior Sergeant Barry Jenks said what started as a minor neighbourhood dispute escalated when an offender left the scene and returned with a knife.
A scuffle followed and the victim was stabbed in the arm. The offender was also injured and both parties were conveyed to hospital.
On the same day, a 19-year-old Melton man was arrested in relation to burglaries at Melton Cash Converters and Dental Surgery in High Street.
The offences occurred during the early hours of the morning. A 30-year-old Melton South woman was charged with handling stolen goods in relation to these burglaries. Both were bailed to appear at Sunshine Magistrates Court later this month.
A stash of Myki cards were stolen when two unknown offenders wearing “hoodies” forced their way into the Melton Railway Station office and ransacked cupboards on 1 January. Police are interested in hearing from anyone who has been offered or given a myki card recently.
Police are also urging people to keep their valuables secured after an iPhone, clothes and purse were stolen from the change rooms at Melton Waves at around 2pm on 1 January.
“There is a lot of hot weather in store and people will flock to the local pool. Police urge people not leave valuables unattended and where possible leave them at home, use a secure locker or ensure someone remains with valuables at all times,” Det Sen Sgt Jenks said.
