Latest news with #PeterThurtell
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- The Advertiser
Fifth man charged over alleged looting in flood-devastated Mid North Coast
A fifth man has been charged with looting after historic flooding inundated the Hunter and Mid North Coast. Officers stopped a man in the early hours of Saturday morning, May 31, on Stevenson Street at Taree and say a search of the man's effects allegedly uncovered a string of suspected stolen items. Police say they found a television, vacuum cleaner, a slew of other electrical items and jewellery during the search, and also alleged the man was carrying methylamphetamine. The 45-year-old was taken to Taree Police Station where he was charged over the alleged drugs possession, carrying items suspected to have been stolen, and carrying "housebreaking implements". He was refused bail and faced Paramatta Local Court on Saturday via video-link where he was granted bail and ordered to return to Taree Local Court on June 17. The latest charges come after Police deputy commissioner Peter Thurtell warned on Monday, May 26, that increased numbers of officers would patrol flood-devastated areas for looters in the wake of record-breaking rainfall over the past fortnight. "The impact of this weather event has been unimaginable and to think they now have to be concerned about hanging on to whatever property they have left is a disgrace," Mr Thurtell said. "Stealing from people vulnerable during hard times like these is un-Australian." A fifth man has been charged with looting after historic flooding inundated the Hunter and Mid North Coast. Officers stopped a man in the early hours of Saturday morning, May 31, on Stevenson Street at Taree and say a search of the man's effects allegedly uncovered a string of suspected stolen items. Police say they found a television, vacuum cleaner, a slew of other electrical items and jewellery during the search, and also alleged the man was carrying methylamphetamine. The 45-year-old was taken to Taree Police Station where he was charged over the alleged drugs possession, carrying items suspected to have been stolen, and carrying "housebreaking implements". He was refused bail and faced Paramatta Local Court on Saturday via video-link where he was granted bail and ordered to return to Taree Local Court on June 17. The latest charges come after Police deputy commissioner Peter Thurtell warned on Monday, May 26, that increased numbers of officers would patrol flood-devastated areas for looters in the wake of record-breaking rainfall over the past fortnight. "The impact of this weather event has been unimaginable and to think they now have to be concerned about hanging on to whatever property they have left is a disgrace," Mr Thurtell said. "Stealing from people vulnerable during hard times like these is un-Australian." A fifth man has been charged with looting after historic flooding inundated the Hunter and Mid North Coast. Officers stopped a man in the early hours of Saturday morning, May 31, on Stevenson Street at Taree and say a search of the man's effects allegedly uncovered a string of suspected stolen items. Police say they found a television, vacuum cleaner, a slew of other electrical items and jewellery during the search, and also alleged the man was carrying methylamphetamine. The 45-year-old was taken to Taree Police Station where he was charged over the alleged drugs possession, carrying items suspected to have been stolen, and carrying "housebreaking implements". He was refused bail and faced Paramatta Local Court on Saturday via video-link where he was granted bail and ordered to return to Taree Local Court on June 17. The latest charges come after Police deputy commissioner Peter Thurtell warned on Monday, May 26, that increased numbers of officers would patrol flood-devastated areas for looters in the wake of record-breaking rainfall over the past fortnight. "The impact of this weather event has been unimaginable and to think they now have to be concerned about hanging on to whatever property they have left is a disgrace," Mr Thurtell said. "Stealing from people vulnerable during hard times like these is un-Australian." A fifth man has been charged with looting after historic flooding inundated the Hunter and Mid North Coast. Officers stopped a man in the early hours of Saturday morning, May 31, on Stevenson Street at Taree and say a search of the man's effects allegedly uncovered a string of suspected stolen items. Police say they found a television, vacuum cleaner, a slew of other electrical items and jewellery during the search, and also alleged the man was carrying methylamphetamine. The 45-year-old was taken to Taree Police Station where he was charged over the alleged drugs possession, carrying items suspected to have been stolen, and carrying "housebreaking implements". He was refused bail and faced Paramatta Local Court on Saturday via video-link where he was granted bail and ordered to return to Taree Local Court on June 17. The latest charges come after Police deputy commissioner Peter Thurtell warned on Monday, May 26, that increased numbers of officers would patrol flood-devastated areas for looters in the wake of record-breaking rainfall over the past fortnight. "The impact of this weather event has been unimaginable and to think they now have to be concerned about hanging on to whatever property they have left is a disgrace," Mr Thurtell said. "Stealing from people vulnerable during hard times like these is un-Australian."
West Australian
26-05-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Australian news and politics live: Albanese heading to NSW north coast as military and police control cleanup
Scroll down for all the latest posts. Police are pouring resources into Australia's flood-ravaged towns to prevent a breakdown in law and order after two men were arrested for alleged looting. NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell said extra officers were on the beat in NSW's mid-north coast and Hunter regions after the men, both aged 20, were arrested for allegedly stealing property amid flood clean up. 'If we find anyone taking advantage of this community we'll throw the book at them,' Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell said in a statement on Monday. 'The impact of this weather event has been unimaginable and to think they now have to be concerned about hanging on to whatever property they have left is a disgrace. 'Stealing from people vulnerable during hard times like these is un-Australian.' The warning comes as military personnel descend on regions hit by the natural disaster that has cost five lives and kept about 12,000 people isolated. Read the full story here. The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is heading to the mid north coast of NSW today to survey the massive flood disaster zone and engage with local authorities as the cleanup begins. Mr Albanese will arrive in the area as military personnel and police move in to coordinate the operation, with many properties still isolated. The damage bill for the government is expected to significant and insurance companies are scrambling to assist property owners, after hundreds of homes were engulfed by the flood waters. The PM is expected to conduct the tour with Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is on the move today to survey another Australian natural disaster as the Coalition turmoil continues to bubble along. Join us here for all the laest news and views throughout the day.
ABC News
26-05-2025
- ABC News
Two men charged with looting in flood-ravaged town of Taree
Police have charged two men over alleged looting on the NSW Mid North Coast, where record-breaking flooding has caused widespread damage to homes and businesses. Police arrested a 20-year-old man on Sunday night after he was stopped by officers in Taree's CBD. They claim he was picking through property on the street and was allegedly found in possession of tools and medical supplies. He also allegedly possessed two hunting knives, first aid kits, a defibrillator and several fishing rods. He was charged with having custody of goods suspected of being stolen, and custody of knife in a public place. He was refused bail at Taree Local Court on Monday and will face court again in June. Meanwhile, officers also arrested a 29-year-old man in an unrelated incident. Officers stopped the man in a car on Albert Street in Taree late on Sunday night and allegedly found personal documents, tools, and a knife inside the vehicle. He was charged with having custody of goods suspected of being stolen, custody of a knife in a public place, licence expired within the last two years, and stealing. He was granted conditional bail to also appear at Taree Local Court in June. Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell said there was an increased police presence in the area. "We have additional police on the ground, and if we find anyone taking advantage of this community, we'll throw the book at them," Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said. "The impact of this weather event has been unimaginable and to think they now have to be concerned about hanging on to whatever property they have left is a disgrace. "Stealing from people vulnerable during hard times like these is un-Australian." Police have allocated extra resources as the region recovers from the flooding, including additional patrols. Members of the public are being urged to report any suspicious activity. It comes as NSW agency personnel begin assessing the damage to towns across the Mid North Coast. More than 2,200 NSW State Emergency Service volunteers remain in the communities, while more than 1,000 other government agency workers are also on the ground More than 5,000 damage assessments have already been completed.
ABC News
22-05-2025
- Climate
- ABC News
Three maps that show the scale of the NSW flood disaster
Just two months after Cyclone Alfred caused widespread flooding across NSW, the state is once again besieged by floodwaters. On Thursday morning, there were 140 flood warnings for NSW, with 50,000 people being told to prepare to evacuate. A man lost his life in floodwaters in Moto, near the town of Coopernook on the Mid North Coast, and Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell said there were "grave fears" for three other people. Follow our live coverage of the NSW floods Here is the extent of the flood-affected areas shown in three maps. Senior meteorologist Angus Hines from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said it had been an extremely wet night in the north of the state. "Carrying into yet another wet day across the Mid North Coast and the northern Hunter, which of course are the districts that have been hit hardest by this prolonged rain event," he said. He said some weather stations had recorded 300 millimetres of rain in the last 24 hours, taking the total to 500-600mm for the week so far. Below are some of the weather stations that have recorded high rainfall totals in the last 24 hours. ABC News meteorologist Tom Saunders said the 329mm at Moparrabah, inland from Kempsey, was the heaviest rain in at least 25 years for any month. The 337mm in Bellingen was the heaviest May rain since 1977, he said. There is some relief in store, with the BOM forecasting the rain will slow down on Thursday afternoon and Friday. "Much of the wettest areas in the north-east of the state will see the worst rain today, much dryer from tomorrow," Mr Hines said. Areas of the state under flood warnings reach from Grafton in the Northern Rivers, all the way south to the Hunter Valley. State Emergency Service (SES) Commissioner Michael Wassing said the threat could extend to Sydney. Areas in the southern part of the Inverell area and around Armidale, are also affected. The SES is advising there could also be minor flooding on the Warrego and Darling rivers in the north-west of the state. The SES has issued 134 emergency warnings as of 10am Thursday, ranging from "shelter now" to "move to higher ground" and in 20 areas, to "evacuate now". The map below shows that the area around Kempsey is at the greatest risk, with six "evacuate now" warnings. NSW Premier Chris Minns urged residents to steer clear of flooded roads. "We need people to use common sense, to listen to emergency broadcasts, and not put themselves in harm's way. There is 140 flood warnings, 50,000 people are in the range where they have been asked to prepare to evacuate and could be isolated," he said. He said there were 9,500 properties in the direct vicinity of the floodwaters.
News.com.au
07-05-2025
- Politics
- News.com.au
‘When the time was right I would know': Special reason NSW Police Commissioner Karren Webb breaks silence on stepping down
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has confirmed she will step down from her role as the state's top cop. Commissioner Webb told she had decided earlier this year to retire following discussions with her family. The Commissioner said her role as the first female police commissioner has been her greatest honour. 'I have recommended to the government that Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell act in my role,' Commissioner Webb said. 'I knew when the time was right I would know, and I wanted to give the State Government time to recruit and appoint a new Commissioner going into an election period in less than two years' time,' she said. Commissioner Webb will officially be farewelled from the force when she walks off the parade ground at the Goulburn Police Academy at the next attestation in August. She had planned to announce her plans to retire on May 18 to commemorate the date she walked into the Goulburn Police Academy 38 years ago. The Commissioner is in discussions with the Government about working in critical areas specifically around women's safety and domestic violence. Commissioner Webb's plans for announcing the end to her three-tear tenure in her own time were disrupted on Wednesday morning when news of her decision spread like wildfire among senior police and politicians. Appointed the state's first female commissioner in February 2022, Commissioner Webb beat fierce contenders Mick Willing and Mal Lanyon for the role. During her tenure she has come under intense criticism particularly for her performances in front of the media. She has overseen responses to the Bondi massacre, the alleged murders of Luke Davies and Jesse Baird by off-duty officer Beau Lamarre-Condon and she has copped criticism for her handling of the taser death of 95-year-old Clare Nowland. NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said Commissioner Webb recently wrote to her indicating her intention to retire before the end of the year. 'She has provided a lengthy notice period to enable the Government to conduct a thorough recruitment process for her successor,' Ms Catley said. 'I have nothing but heartfelt thanks for her incredible work and admiration for her many significant achievements.' The minister said Commissioner Webb had been 'a force for change and reform' focussed on the safety and wellbeing of police. She will leave a significant legacy, including paid study for student police officers, a historic pay rise, full-time equivalent work allowing police to job share for the first time ever, the establishment of the Domestic and Family Violence Registry and the Pulse program and the creation of the Health Safety and Wellbeing Command. In 2024, Commissioner Webb apologised for the force's handling of gay hate crimes over 40 years. 'On behalf of the NSW Government, I thank Karen Webb for her extraordinary career of self-sacrifice and public service,' the Minister said Sources close to the commissioner said the job had taken its toll of late and close confidantes were encouraging her to stand down, one even telling her 'she has nothing to prove'. In August last year Webb – who has always had a passion for domestic violence work and youth crime – vowed she wasn't going anywhere and could not bow to 'faceless cowards' working behind the scenes to destabilise her. The extraordinary move came after a week of sustained criticism over taxpayer expenditure on gin gifts and failure to disclose her personal relationship with the supplier. From the beginning, Commissioner Webb had to stare down two fierce competitors to earn former Premier Dominic Perrottet's trust as the right person to lead the state's 18,000 police officers and make history in the process as the first female top cop. The appointment was not based on gender, Perrottet said. He was confident in Webb's ability and thanked the 'high-calibre' contenders – Mick Willing and Mal Lanyon. The three-way battle to lead NSW's police had played out amid much publicity in the months following Mick Fuller's announcement he intended to resign after four years at the helm. Ms Webb's resignation will now surely spark a hotly contested and very public search for a new Police Commissioner.
