Media releases – Tasmania Police

— various topics —

Vehicle confiscated for hooning, Brighton
24 July 2023

Bridgewater Police have confiscated and impounded a Ford Falcon and charged a 20-year-old Claremont man with hooning related offences following an incident in the Brighton Industrial estate last night at about 11.30pm.

Sergeant Chris Cupit is reminding the public that any antisocial behaviour on Tasmanian roads is being targeted and offenders will be prosecuted.

“Driving behaviour such as hooning is illegal, dangerous and interrupts the peace and quiet of citizens.

“It can also easily cause a serious crash putting people’s lives at risk.”

“The Claremont man will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court at a later date and the vehicle will be confiscated for 28 days,” said Sergeant Cupit.

If you have dash cam footage or other evidence of this driving behaviour, you can report it to Tasmania Police by phoning 131 444 or via Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperstas.com.au.

Concern for Welfare – Garry Latham
Monday, 24 July 2023 – 10:55 am.

52-year-old Garry Latham was last heard from yesterday and concerns are held for his welfare.

Garry is described as 183cms in height, has a solid build and dark hair.

It is believed Garry may be driving a grey Nissan Navara with registration ER5227 in the Greater Hobart area.

Garry if you see this message, please know you are not in any trouble. If you’re okay, please call us on 131 444 to let us know.

If you have seen Garry, or know where he is, please contact Tasmania Police on 131 444.

Update: The man we were looking for earlier today as a concern for welfare (Garry Latham) has been located and Police are no longer concerned for his welfare.

Serious Crash Involving 16-Year-Old Pedestrian, Lyell Highway, Sorell Creek
Monday, 24 July 2023 – 3:30 am.

Police are investigating a serious crash that occurred on the Lyell Highway at Sorell Creek. Preliminary investigations indicate that around 8:40pm on Sunday 23 July 2023, a 16-year-old boy was walking towards Hobart when he was struck by a vehicle heading in the same direction. The boy suffered serious head injuries and is in a critical condition at the Royal Hobart Hospital. The 21-year-old male driver and 19-year-old female passenger of the vehicle were uninjured.

The boy’s family have been contacted.

Investigations are continuing.

Anyone who witnessed this incident is urged to contact Bridgewater police on 131 444.

Serious injuries following explosion at home in Kings Meadows
Sunday, 23 July 2023 – 11:15 pm.

At approximately 5:30pm on Sunday the 23rd July 2023, emergency services were called to attend a residence Janet Street, Kings Meadows following a reported explosion at the home.

Attending emergency services found four patients ranging in age from five years old to 49 years old.

The 49 year old male was found to have extensive burns to his face, body and airways. The male was transported by ambulance to the Launceston General Hospital and then via air ambulance to the Royal Hobart Hospital. The male is described as being in a critical but stable condition.

A five year old child and nine year old child and a 17 year old youth were transported to and treated at the Launceston General Hospital for none life threatening injuries. All have since been released.

Officers from Tasmania Police and the Tasmania Fire Service are investigating the circumstances of the fire and explosion. Preliminary investigations indicate that the cause of the fire and explosion was accidental.

High Range Drink Driving Charge
Sunday, 23 July 2023 – 3:07 pm.

On Saturday 22 July 2023, Clarence Plains Police were on mobile patrol on the Tasman Highway Cambridge, when they observed a vehicle being driven in a dangerous manner.

Officers caused the vehicle to stop and spoke with a 47 year old Roches Beach man who presented as being intoxicated. The driver later returned a positive breathalyzer reading of 0.252%.

The man was charged with Driving under the influence of an intoxicating liquor and for exceeding the prescribed alcohol limit.

He was issued with a Road Safety Disqualification Notice for a period of 12 months, instantly removing his licence.

The man was charged and will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court at a later date.

Police vehicle crash
Sunday, 23 July 2023 – 11:05 am.

Just after 7pm on Saturday 22 July, a police vehicle was involved in a crash on the Bass Highway at Round Hill.

The vehicle has hit an embankment on the side of the road and rolled onto its roof. There were no other vehicles involved in the crash. Two police officers were in the vehicle, no one was injured.

The cause of the crash is being investigated. Initial investigations indicate the driver lost control of the vehicle in wet road conditions.

“This serves as a reminder to drive with extreme care on wet roads, as even highly trained drivers can experience difficulties in challenging conditions,” said Inspector Steve Jones.

Huonville man charged with string of burglary and stealing offences
Friday, 21 July 2023 – 11:16 am.

Police have charged a 27-year-old man from Huonville with a string of offences, following investigations into several burglary and stealing matters in Hobart and Kingston recently.

The burglaries relate to “tradie” vehicles, targeting the stealing of power tools and other equipment.

Close to $40,000 worth of property has been stolen over the past two weeks, and so far police have recovered about $15,000 worth.

The man was charged with the following offences and will appear in court in August.
• Burglary x12
• Stealing x14
• Unlawfully tamper or interfere with motor vehicle x1
• Attempted burglary x1
• Dishonestly acquiring a financial advantage x10

Kingston Police would like to hear from anyone with information about the matters, or who recognises their property in the attached images, on 131 444.

Information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers at crimestopperstas.com.au, you can stay anonymous.

Tasmania Police encourages people to:
• Avoid parking in public areas for long periods of time, especially overnight
• Secure vehicles with an alarm, steering lock or immobiliser if possible
• Always keep car doors and windows locked
• Take tools and valuable inside overnight if possible, even if the vehicle has a lockable canopy or toolbox
• Park in a well-lit area, in view of CCTV is possible, if parking on the street overnight; and
• Ensure car keys are kept securely and out of sight