Kidnapping charge: anti-bikie police squad swoops on man at airport
Officers from the specialist Raptor North squad arrested Troy Vanderlight, 34, at the Williamtown airport at 8.15am on Monday, August 12. It's alleged that Vanderlight has associations with the Hells Angels.
The Tenambit man spent the night in custody before fronting court via video link yesterday, where magistrate Elizabeth Bushby released him on bail, on a string of strict conditions.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Daniel Grace opposed Vanderlight's release. He said Vanderlight had previously been sentenced for offences related to outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) activity during an earlier "tit for tat".
Sergeant Grace said the fresh kidnapping charge was also an alleged OMCG matter.
Sergeant Grace told the court the prosecution case was strong, Vanderlight was a fail-to-appear risk, and he or his associates could interfere with witnesses in the case.
Vanderlight's record showed he had a "reluctance" to comply with court orders, Sergeant Grace said.
The court heard Vanderlight had twice breached serious crime prevention orders imposed by the NSW Supreme Court earlier - including once when he was caught eating beetroot toast with an alleged bikie - and had breached bail numerous times before.
He argued there was no bail condition that could mitigate the risks.
Legal Aid defence lawyer Courtney Young made the successful bid for bail, submitting that Vanderlight had never been in full-time custody, had a secure residence and had strong ties to the area.
Ms Young said there would be an identification issue and said there were likely to be delays in the case as it had already been under investigation for eight months. She said Vanderlight would have to wait for the police brief of evidence to be served.
Ms Bushby said she was satisfied that Vanderlight had "criminal associations" by way of OMCGs but that strict bail conditions could mitigate the risks.
Vanderlight was released on conditions including to abide by an overnight curfew, report to police three days per week, surrender his passport, and not contact a list of people or attend certain addresses, including in Maitland, Grafton and Gunnedah.
Police confirmed the 34-year-old man was arrested by Raptor North officers at Newcastle Airport on Monday morning as part of an investigation into an alleged kidnapping incident that occurred in December 2024.
He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with one count of taking or detaining a person in company, with the intent of obtaining an advantage.
The police case is that the alleged victim was detained in December last year, driven along the M1 to a dirt road and threatened before he jumped over a fence and escaped.
Vanderlight was not required to enter a plea in bail court on August 12 and the matter was adjourned to October 8.
ANTI-BIKIE police have swooped on a man at Newcastle Airport as part of an eight-month investigation into an alleged kidnapping in the Hunter.
Officers from the specialist Raptor North squad arrested Troy Vanderlight, 34, at the Williamtown airport at 8.15am on Monday, August 12. It's alleged that Vanderlight has associations with the Hells Angels.
The Tenambit man spent the night in custody before fronting court via video link yesterday, where magistrate Elizabeth Bushby released him on bail, on a string of strict conditions.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Daniel Grace opposed Vanderlight's release. He said Vanderlight had previously been sentenced for offences related to outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) activity during an earlier "tit for tat".
Sergeant Grace said the fresh kidnapping charge was also an alleged OMCG matter.
Sergeant Grace told the court the prosecution case was strong, Vanderlight was a fail-to-appear risk, and he or his associates could interfere with witnesses in the case.
Vanderlight's record showed he had a "reluctance" to comply with court orders, Sergeant Grace said.
The court heard Vanderlight had twice breached serious crime prevention orders imposed by the NSW Supreme Court earlier - including once when he was caught eating beetroot toast with an alleged bikie - and had breached bail numerous times before.
He argued there was no bail condition that could mitigate the risks.
Legal Aid defence lawyer Courtney Young made the successful bid for bail, submitting that Vanderlight had never been in full-time custody, had a secure residence and had strong ties to the area.
Ms Young said there would be an identification issue and said there were likely to be delays in the case as it had already been under investigation for eight months. She said Vanderlight would have to wait for the police brief of evidence to be served.
Ms Bushby said she was satisfied that Vanderlight had "criminal associations" by way of OMCGs but that strict bail conditions could mitigate the risks.
Vanderlight was released on conditions including to abide by an overnight curfew, report to police three days per week, surrender his passport, and not contact a list of people or attend certain addresses, including in Maitland, Grafton and Gunnedah.
Police confirmed the 34-year-old man was arrested by Raptor North officers at Newcastle Airport on Monday morning as part of an investigation into an alleged kidnapping incident that occurred in December 2024.
He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with one count of taking or detaining a person in company, with the intent of obtaining an advantage.
The police case is that the alleged victim was detained in December last year, driven along the M1 to a dirt road and threatened before he jumped over a fence and escaped.
Vanderlight was not required to enter a plea in bail court on August 12 and the matter was adjourned to October 8.
ANTI-BIKIE police have swooped on a man at Newcastle Airport as part of an eight-month investigation into an alleged kidnapping in the Hunter.
Officers from the specialist Raptor North squad arrested Troy Vanderlight, 34, at the Williamtown airport at 8.15am on Monday, August 12. It's alleged that Vanderlight has associations with the Hells Angels.
The Tenambit man spent the night in custody before fronting court via video link yesterday, where magistrate Elizabeth Bushby released him on bail, on a string of strict conditions.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Daniel Grace opposed Vanderlight's release. He said Vanderlight had previously been sentenced for offences related to outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) activity during an earlier "tit for tat".
Sergeant Grace said the fresh kidnapping charge was also an alleged OMCG matter.
Sergeant Grace told the court the prosecution case was strong, Vanderlight was a fail-to-appear risk, and he or his associates could interfere with witnesses in the case.
Vanderlight's record showed he had a "reluctance" to comply with court orders, Sergeant Grace said.
The court heard Vanderlight had twice breached serious crime prevention orders imposed by the NSW Supreme Court earlier - including once when he was caught eating beetroot toast with an alleged bikie - and had breached bail numerous times before.
He argued there was no bail condition that could mitigate the risks.
Legal Aid defence lawyer Courtney Young made the successful bid for bail, submitting that Vanderlight had never been in full-time custody, had a secure residence and had strong ties to the area.
Ms Young said there would be an identification issue and said there were likely to be delays in the case as it had already been under investigation for eight months. She said Vanderlight would have to wait for the police brief of evidence to be served.
Ms Bushby said she was satisfied that Vanderlight had "criminal associations" by way of OMCGs but that strict bail conditions could mitigate the risks.
Vanderlight was released on conditions including to abide by an overnight curfew, report to police three days per week, surrender his passport, and not contact a list of people or attend certain addresses, including in Maitland, Grafton and Gunnedah.
Police confirmed the 34-year-old man was arrested by Raptor North officers at Newcastle Airport on Monday morning as part of an investigation into an alleged kidnapping incident that occurred in December 2024.
He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with one count of taking or detaining a person in company, with the intent of obtaining an advantage.
The police case is that the alleged victim was detained in December last year, driven along the M1 to a dirt road and threatened before he jumped over a fence and escaped.
Vanderlight was not required to enter a plea in bail court on August 12 and the matter was adjourned to October 8.
ANTI-BIKIE police have swooped on a man at Newcastle Airport as part of an eight-month investigation into an alleged kidnapping in the Hunter.
Officers from the specialist Raptor North squad arrested Troy Vanderlight, 34, at the Williamtown airport at 8.15am on Monday, August 12. It's alleged that Vanderlight has associations with the Hells Angels.
The Tenambit man spent the night in custody before fronting court via video link yesterday, where magistrate Elizabeth Bushby released him on bail, on a string of strict conditions.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Daniel Grace opposed Vanderlight's release. He said Vanderlight had previously been sentenced for offences related to outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) activity during an earlier "tit for tat".
Sergeant Grace said the fresh kidnapping charge was also an alleged OMCG matter.
Sergeant Grace told the court the prosecution case was strong, Vanderlight was a fail-to-appear risk, and he or his associates could interfere with witnesses in the case.
Vanderlight's record showed he had a "reluctance" to comply with court orders, Sergeant Grace said.
The court heard Vanderlight had twice breached serious crime prevention orders imposed by the NSW Supreme Court earlier - including once when he was caught eating beetroot toast with an alleged bikie - and had breached bail numerous times before.
He argued there was no bail condition that could mitigate the risks.
Legal Aid defence lawyer Courtney Young made the successful bid for bail, submitting that Vanderlight had never been in full-time custody, had a secure residence and had strong ties to the area.
Ms Young said there would be an identification issue and said there were likely to be delays in the case as it had already been under investigation for eight months. She said Vanderlight would have to wait for the police brief of evidence to be served.
Ms Bushby said she was satisfied that Vanderlight had "criminal associations" by way of OMCGs but that strict bail conditions could mitigate the risks.
Vanderlight was released on conditions including to abide by an overnight curfew, report to police three days per week, surrender his passport, and not contact a list of people or attend certain addresses, including in Maitland, Grafton and Gunnedah.
Police confirmed the 34-year-old man was arrested by Raptor North officers at Newcastle Airport on Monday morning as part of an investigation into an alleged kidnapping incident that occurred in December 2024.
He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with one count of taking or detaining a person in company, with the intent of obtaining an advantage.
The police case is that the alleged victim was detained in December last year, driven along the M1 to a dirt road and threatened before he jumped over a fence and escaped.
Vanderlight was not required to enter a plea in bail court on August 12 and the matter was adjourned to October 8.
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The Advertiser
7 days ago
- The Advertiser
Kidnapping charge: anti-bikie police squad swoops on man at airport
ANTI-BIKIE police have swooped on a man at Newcastle Airport as part of an eight-month investigation into an alleged kidnapping in the Hunter. Officers from the specialist Raptor North squad arrested Troy Vanderlight, 34, at the Williamtown airport at 8.15am on Monday, August 12. It's alleged that Vanderlight has associations with the Hells Angels. The Tenambit man spent the night in custody before fronting court via video link yesterday, where magistrate Elizabeth Bushby released him on bail, on a string of strict conditions. Police prosecutor Sergeant Daniel Grace opposed Vanderlight's release. He said Vanderlight had previously been sentenced for offences related to outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) activity during an earlier "tit for tat". Sergeant Grace said the fresh kidnapping charge was also an alleged OMCG matter. Sergeant Grace told the court the prosecution case was strong, Vanderlight was a fail-to-appear risk, and he or his associates could interfere with witnesses in the case. Vanderlight's record showed he had a "reluctance" to comply with court orders, Sergeant Grace said. The court heard Vanderlight had twice breached serious crime prevention orders imposed by the NSW Supreme Court earlier - including once when he was caught eating beetroot toast with an alleged bikie - and had breached bail numerous times before. He argued there was no bail condition that could mitigate the risks. Legal Aid defence lawyer Courtney Young made the successful bid for bail, submitting that Vanderlight had never been in full-time custody, had a secure residence and had strong ties to the area. Ms Young said there would be an identification issue and said there were likely to be delays in the case as it had already been under investigation for eight months. She said Vanderlight would have to wait for the police brief of evidence to be served. Ms Bushby said she was satisfied that Vanderlight had "criminal associations" by way of OMCGs but that strict bail conditions could mitigate the risks. Vanderlight was released on conditions including to abide by an overnight curfew, report to police three days per week, surrender his passport, and not contact a list of people or attend certain addresses, including in Maitland, Grafton and Gunnedah. Police confirmed the 34-year-old man was arrested by Raptor North officers at Newcastle Airport on Monday morning as part of an investigation into an alleged kidnapping incident that occurred in December 2024. He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with one count of taking or detaining a person in company, with the intent of obtaining an advantage. The police case is that the alleged victim was detained in December last year, driven along the M1 to a dirt road and threatened before he jumped over a fence and escaped. Vanderlight was not required to enter a plea in bail court on August 12 and the matter was adjourned to October 8. ANTI-BIKIE police have swooped on a man at Newcastle Airport as part of an eight-month investigation into an alleged kidnapping in the Hunter. Officers from the specialist Raptor North squad arrested Troy Vanderlight, 34, at the Williamtown airport at 8.15am on Monday, August 12. It's alleged that Vanderlight has associations with the Hells Angels. The Tenambit man spent the night in custody before fronting court via video link yesterday, where magistrate Elizabeth Bushby released him on bail, on a string of strict conditions. Police prosecutor Sergeant Daniel Grace opposed Vanderlight's release. He said Vanderlight had previously been sentenced for offences related to outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) activity during an earlier "tit for tat". Sergeant Grace said the fresh kidnapping charge was also an alleged OMCG matter. Sergeant Grace told the court the prosecution case was strong, Vanderlight was a fail-to-appear risk, and he or his associates could interfere with witnesses in the case. Vanderlight's record showed he had a "reluctance" to comply with court orders, Sergeant Grace said. The court heard Vanderlight had twice breached serious crime prevention orders imposed by the NSW Supreme Court earlier - including once when he was caught eating beetroot toast with an alleged bikie - and had breached bail numerous times before. He argued there was no bail condition that could mitigate the risks. Legal Aid defence lawyer Courtney Young made the successful bid for bail, submitting that Vanderlight had never been in full-time custody, had a secure residence and had strong ties to the area. Ms Young said there would be an identification issue and said there were likely to be delays in the case as it had already been under investigation for eight months. She said Vanderlight would have to wait for the police brief of evidence to be served. Ms Bushby said she was satisfied that Vanderlight had "criminal associations" by way of OMCGs but that strict bail conditions could mitigate the risks. Vanderlight was released on conditions including to abide by an overnight curfew, report to police three days per week, surrender his passport, and not contact a list of people or attend certain addresses, including in Maitland, Grafton and Gunnedah. Police confirmed the 34-year-old man was arrested by Raptor North officers at Newcastle Airport on Monday morning as part of an investigation into an alleged kidnapping incident that occurred in December 2024. He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with one count of taking or detaining a person in company, with the intent of obtaining an advantage. The police case is that the alleged victim was detained in December last year, driven along the M1 to a dirt road and threatened before he jumped over a fence and escaped. Vanderlight was not required to enter a plea in bail court on August 12 and the matter was adjourned to October 8. ANTI-BIKIE police have swooped on a man at Newcastle Airport as part of an eight-month investigation into an alleged kidnapping in the Hunter. Officers from the specialist Raptor North squad arrested Troy Vanderlight, 34, at the Williamtown airport at 8.15am on Monday, August 12. It's alleged that Vanderlight has associations with the Hells Angels. The Tenambit man spent the night in custody before fronting court via video link yesterday, where magistrate Elizabeth Bushby released him on bail, on a string of strict conditions. Police prosecutor Sergeant Daniel Grace opposed Vanderlight's release. He said Vanderlight had previously been sentenced for offences related to outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) activity during an earlier "tit for tat". Sergeant Grace said the fresh kidnapping charge was also an alleged OMCG matter. Sergeant Grace told the court the prosecution case was strong, Vanderlight was a fail-to-appear risk, and he or his associates could interfere with witnesses in the case. Vanderlight's record showed he had a "reluctance" to comply with court orders, Sergeant Grace said. The court heard Vanderlight had twice breached serious crime prevention orders imposed by the NSW Supreme Court earlier - including once when he was caught eating beetroot toast with an alleged bikie - and had breached bail numerous times before. He argued there was no bail condition that could mitigate the risks. Legal Aid defence lawyer Courtney Young made the successful bid for bail, submitting that Vanderlight had never been in full-time custody, had a secure residence and had strong ties to the area. Ms Young said there would be an identification issue and said there were likely to be delays in the case as it had already been under investigation for eight months. She said Vanderlight would have to wait for the police brief of evidence to be served. Ms Bushby said she was satisfied that Vanderlight had "criminal associations" by way of OMCGs but that strict bail conditions could mitigate the risks. Vanderlight was released on conditions including to abide by an overnight curfew, report to police three days per week, surrender his passport, and not contact a list of people or attend certain addresses, including in Maitland, Grafton and Gunnedah. Police confirmed the 34-year-old man was arrested by Raptor North officers at Newcastle Airport on Monday morning as part of an investigation into an alleged kidnapping incident that occurred in December 2024. He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with one count of taking or detaining a person in company, with the intent of obtaining an advantage. The police case is that the alleged victim was detained in December last year, driven along the M1 to a dirt road and threatened before he jumped over a fence and escaped. Vanderlight was not required to enter a plea in bail court on August 12 and the matter was adjourned to October 8. ANTI-BIKIE police have swooped on a man at Newcastle Airport as part of an eight-month investigation into an alleged kidnapping in the Hunter. Officers from the specialist Raptor North squad arrested Troy Vanderlight, 34, at the Williamtown airport at 8.15am on Monday, August 12. It's alleged that Vanderlight has associations with the Hells Angels. The Tenambit man spent the night in custody before fronting court via video link yesterday, where magistrate Elizabeth Bushby released him on bail, on a string of strict conditions. Police prosecutor Sergeant Daniel Grace opposed Vanderlight's release. He said Vanderlight had previously been sentenced for offences related to outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) activity during an earlier "tit for tat". Sergeant Grace said the fresh kidnapping charge was also an alleged OMCG matter. Sergeant Grace told the court the prosecution case was strong, Vanderlight was a fail-to-appear risk, and he or his associates could interfere with witnesses in the case. Vanderlight's record showed he had a "reluctance" to comply with court orders, Sergeant Grace said. The court heard Vanderlight had twice breached serious crime prevention orders imposed by the NSW Supreme Court earlier - including once when he was caught eating beetroot toast with an alleged bikie - and had breached bail numerous times before. He argued there was no bail condition that could mitigate the risks. Legal Aid defence lawyer Courtney Young made the successful bid for bail, submitting that Vanderlight had never been in full-time custody, had a secure residence and had strong ties to the area. Ms Young said there would be an identification issue and said there were likely to be delays in the case as it had already been under investigation for eight months. She said Vanderlight would have to wait for the police brief of evidence to be served. Ms Bushby said she was satisfied that Vanderlight had "criminal associations" by way of OMCGs but that strict bail conditions could mitigate the risks. Vanderlight was released on conditions including to abide by an overnight curfew, report to police three days per week, surrender his passport, and not contact a list of people or attend certain addresses, including in Maitland, Grafton and Gunnedah. Police confirmed the 34-year-old man was arrested by Raptor North officers at Newcastle Airport on Monday morning as part of an investigation into an alleged kidnapping incident that occurred in December 2024. He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with one count of taking or detaining a person in company, with the intent of obtaining an advantage. The police case is that the alleged victim was detained in December last year, driven along the M1 to a dirt road and threatened before he jumped over a fence and escaped. Vanderlight was not required to enter a plea in bail court on August 12 and the matter was adjourned to October 8.
ABC News
05-08-2025
- ABC News
The Chinese blessing scam becoming more prominent in Australia as FIFO operators re-emerge
It all starts with a simple plea for help, a friendly conversation and a promise of healing. But behind the emotional theatre lies one of the world's most enduring street cons — the Chinese blessing scam, and it's operating in broad daylight in Australian suburbs. For decades, this scam has targeted vulnerable Chinese people across the world, preying on spiritual beliefs, cultural kinship and concern for their family. Grace, not her real name, fell for it when she was told her son was at great risk of losing his life. In tears and frightened she succumbed to the scam. Since the 1980s millions of dollars have been stolen worldwide through the practice. In Sydney alone, police allege $3 million has been fleeced in over 80 reported cases since mid-2023. Victoria Police claim $200,000 was stolen using this scam in 2024. 7.30 can reveal NSW Police are working with interstate police and authorities in New Zealand as part of ongoing investigations into Chinese blessing scams. Strike Force Sentinel, established earlier this year, has so far arrested and charged two people. Police say one member of the group is in custody, in NZ. Police have released images of seven individuals wanted on warrants in connection with the alleged scams and have obtained further warrants against two individuals allegedly involved in an incident at Eastwood, in Sydney's north-west, in 2024. NSW Police told 7.30 that all nine suspects are believed to be overseas. The scam follows a script: First the victim is approached by strangers who warn of an imminent threat to their family and offer a ritual blessing to dispel the curse. They're then persuaded to hand over valuables in a bag — which are then swapped for junk during a ceremony — and told not to open the bag or risk undoing the ritual. Victims only realise they have been scammed after the offenders disappear. Dr Sharon Kwok is a lecturer in criminology at the University of Western Sydney and told 7.30 the scam was common in China's southern regions of Guangdong and Fujian, which are typically more religious. The scam exploits traditional beliefs where misfortune is blamed on ghosts and curses, and spiritual rituals are performed to dispel bad luck. Valuable items, such as money and jewellery, are commonly offered during traditional worship ceremonies to ensure good fortune and protection for one's family. "Normally older generations tend to have that kind of traditional, cultural belief," Dr Kwok explained. Compared to younger generations who possess the skills to work and engage with mainstream society, senior migrants who left their countries later in their lives can be profoundly isolated once they migrate to the new country. "[Older migrants] come to Australia to reunite with their sons or daughters, often the family's only child, yet their life after migration offers them few choices," Dr Kwok said. This isolation creates a fertile ground for exploitation. As Chinese migration accelerated during the 80s and 90s, scammers also moved their operations abroad with cases reported in Hong Kong, San Francisco, Canada, the UK and Australia The con has re-emerged across Sydney and Melbourne since 2023, with both Victorian and NSW police issuing arrest warrants against alleged blessing scammers. "They're best described as FIFO criminals. They're organised criminals that fly in for short periods of time, on up to 20 occasions over two years, and fly out," Detective Superintendent Guy Magee told a press conference in early July, after two arrests were made. Dr Kwok says policing the scammers is difficult because the scam deals with untraceable valuables, mostly cash and jewellery. With large sums of money involved, these syndicates could also rely on underground banking networks within Australia to launder the illicit funds, she says. According to Dr Kwok, the fraudsters begin the con with online research, seeking out neighbourhoods with dense Chinese populations. They then conduct 'field work' to identify places where elderly Chinese congregate, such as Chinese grocery stores, clinics and herbal medicine shops, where they can collect intelligence from potential victims. "That person's coming out from the clinic, then from the herbalist. That's very likely that the elder is not very healthy or maybe suffering some sort of health problem. That helps them to plan the plot," Dr Kwok said. "They (scammers) will say your son will be dying in three days, so it has to be something very threatening, because that will project fear. Grace became a target for this scam in part due to her health concerns. "I was seeking medical treatment at the time. I thought I'd get the doctor's card, so I followed along," she recalled. "You have high blood pressure and heart issues, but you can't seem to find out why through regular medical examinations, right?" one of the scammers asked Grace. Grace nodded. She was baffled at how they knew her medical history. The scammer told her the healer had a magical mirror that "could see everything". Then, the swindler announced that a ghost was hunting her son: "He will have a car accident within three days. You must find a way to save him." Grace's son was due to drive from Queensland the very next day. Convinced and desperate, she gathered all her cash and jewellery into a bag and handed it over for the so-called blessing ritual. During the ceremony, the scammer commanded her to look into their eyes. Amid the ritualised gestures, her bag of valuables was swapped. When her son returned home safe, she opened the bag, only to find a bottle of water and some rice. She reported the crime to the police with the help of a translator. "Many people feel ashamed after being scammed. They never tell anyone about it … most don't want to report to police," Grace told 7.30. NSW Police believe the number of victims impacted is double what has been reported. "I really do call on those victims that feel embarrassed or shamed ... please don't be, come forward, let us stand alongside you," Detective Magee said in July. The Chinese Australian Services Society (CASS) is one of the few settlement services in Sydney supporting senior migrants, and often times the first point of contact for many victims. CASS' Senior Executive Officer Jane Lu says the organisation has seen an increase in senior members being targeted since late last year. "I do think the cases are under-reported," she said, adding that the reasons could be a combination of the well-designed nature of the crime and traditional culture. CASS's case workers have been a lifeline for many victims, helping them take the difficult step of reporting their cases to the police. Yet their capacity is stretched thin, with just two and a half government-funded staff members assisting every police referral, all while providing essential settlement services. Ms Lu believes that one way to address these challenges is by empowering volunteers within the same community to support and assist each other. Over the years, CASS has trained more than 400 volunteers and over 30 activity groups were developed to help connect senior migrants with physical and social activities, such as English learning, calligraphy writing, games, fitness and dancing. UNSW research in 2022 found that older Chinese migrants are motivated to become self-reliant, and that the volunteer model developed by CASS over 40 years is a supporting structure for volunteers when they struggle. "It creates a safe space for them to meet new people, to tell friends they can trust, and to confide their troubles," Ms Lu said. She encourages local governments to reach out and provide resources for senior members of CALD communities. "Councils have a big role to play, for example, to provide some space for our volunteers to run their activities," Ms Lu said. While NSW police have issued warning leaflets in Chinese and English, Ms Lu wants more in-language education to be distributed in hot spots and letter boxes. Watch 7.30, Mondays to Thursdays 7:30pm on ABC iview and ABC TV Do you know more about this story? Get in touch with 7.30 here.
West Australian
04-08-2025
- West Australian
Thieves steal car, smash straight through roller door in Baldivis before robbing Naval Base businesses
A mother-of-three has been left 'scared and traumatised' after her car was stolen from inside her garage, the thieves ploughing it through a roller door before using it to ram-raid a cafe and bottle shop. Shocking CCTV obtained by The West Australian shows the moment a grey Nissan X-trail, registration 1HOL770, was stolen from a Baldivis home before being driven through a the closed garage. Police said the car was stolen from the Santorini Parkway home about 2.45pm on Sunday. It was then used to ram-raid a Liquor Barons store and the Salty Gnome Express cafe in Naval Base in the early hours of Monday. Grace, who did not want her surname used, said her three children were watching TV when she heard a noise come from the garage. 'I opened the door (connecting to the garage) and this person attempted to jump out of my car — I was worried this person would come at me, so I locked myself inside the house,' she said. 'Once I locked the door, this person forcefully reversed (the Nissan) through the garage door. 'I heard a big noise — the garage door was all falling out and he had already driven out. 'The whole garage door was all on the road. I quickly had to call the police.' Police said the stolen Nissan X-Trail was used to ram-raid the cafe and liquor store on Weston Street in Naval Base about 3am on Monday. CCTV of the raid, seen by 7NEWS, shows the the stolen vehicle being driven into the roller doors of the building, creating a hole to get through. A glass door was smashed to allow the offenders to get inside the bottle shop. Staff were left to clean up the mess this on Monday morning, with one worker saying cigarettes and alcohol was stolen. Mandurah detectives are searching for the offenders, who arrived at the Baldivis home in a white four-wheel drive. CCTV taken from the home shows one man climbing into the garage after tampering with it before he reverses at a high-speed through the roller door — sending debris flying. Grace, who left her car key inside her vehicle believing it was safe behind the roller door, said her family and neighbours were shaken by the daylight robbery. Her work security pass and handbag were in the stolen car. 'We don't really have any connection with these people at all, we don't have any grudges around the neighbourhood,' she said. 'This neighbourhood is very friendly and very quiet and we really have good neighbours, and we communicate really often and check on each other. 'My husband had just reached work and he hadn't started because he was starting at three o'clock, and then he had to drive immediately back home. 'But I was very traumatised at that moment ... I was very shaken. 'Luckily enough, we have a new police station, which has just opened up in Baldivis, just for a week, so they were able to come within five minutes of the call.' Detectives are urging anyone with information, CCTV or who has seen the stolen blue Nissan to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
