State In Support Of Locking In Hamilton CCTV Trial

 BY OLI GOELDNER 

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp is confident the state could fund the proposed CCTV trial of Beaumont Street. 

On Tuesday, Newcastle councillors voted in support of the trial, after months of deliberation. 

They endorsed a run of up to three years within a defined location on Beaumont Street at Hamilton, in a bid to combat a recent spike in anti-social behaviour. 

"I'm so relieved and happy for the community," said Councillor Jenny Barrie. 

"We've been working towards this for six months since we stated the Hamilton Community Safety Committee after a whole year of talks on CCTV.

"The community deserves to have such a basic tool that's used right across the state and Australia in local government areas." 

However, the trial is conditional on the state government contributing no less than 50 per cent of the total cost. 

Council reports indicate the total bill is estimated at $225,000, including upfront and monthly costs associated with installing and maintaining the required infrastructure. 

Mr Crakanthorp has been a long-time supporter of the motion, recently presenting a 1000 signature petition to state parliament endorsing the trial.

Today, he announced he has engaged in talks with Police Minister Yasmin Catley over the ruling. 

"I've had a number of discussions with Minister Catley's office about it," he said. 

"We're confident that we can come up with half of that." 

A formal endorsement is yet to be issued. 

Appeal for information following a suspicious house fire at Islington

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Detectives have released CCTV footage following a suspicious house fire at Islington earlier this year.

About 11.20am on Monday 25 March 2024, emergency services were called to a home on Norfolk Avenue, Islington, with reports of a fire.

Fire and Rescue crews extinguished the blaze; however, parts of the home sustained significant damage.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and commenced inquiries into the circumstance surrounding the blaze under Strike Force Rhodochrosite.

As inquiries continue, detectives have released CCTV footage of two men who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

The first man is described as being about 170-180cm tall, of solid build and with dark hair.

He is pictured wearing an orange hi-vis shirt, dark shorts, tan work boots and sunglasses.

The second man is described as being about 180-185cm tall, of muscular build and with black hair. 

He is pictured wearing a yellow hi-vis shirt, dark shorts, dark shoes and sunglasses.

 

 

Driver Of Allegedly Stolen Vehicle in Muswellbrook Still On The Run

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police are on the hunt for the driver of an allegedly stolen car which led officers on a pursuit though Muswellbrook this morning. 

Officers initiated the pursuit on Maitland Street at around 4 O'CLOCK this morning when they spotted a vehicle believed to have been stolen. 

Police pursued the car for a short time around the Muswellbrook township before losing sight of the vehicle. 

They're now reviewing CCTV footage from around the area as investigations continue. 

Break-And-Enters At Thornton And Edgeworth Could Be Linked, Police Say

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police have released CCTV footage of a man as investigations continue into two alleged break and enters in the Hunter Region. 

Officers allege a man broke into a supermarket on the corner of Taylor Avenue and Thomas Coke at Thornton at about 2:30am on Monday the 5th of June and stole a cash box. 

A second cash box was allegedly stolen from a supermarket at the intersection of Main Road and Callan Street at Edgeworth on Wednesday the 14th of June. 

 

Police believe the two incidents may be linked and have released footage of a man they believe will be able to assist with enquiries. 

He's being described as Caucasian in appearance and of a medium build. 

He is shown wearing a white face mask, a black and white hooded jumper with writing down both sides, gloves, grey shorts and white sneakers.

CCTV image revealed in Gateshead shooting investigation

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Police are appealing to the public for assistance, after revealing new vision of a man who could have information about a shooting at Gateshead last month.

Around 4.05am on Thursday 18 May 2023, emergency services were called to a home on Flame Street, after reports shots had been fired and a man was injured.

Officers attended alongside paramedics and found a 41-year-old man suffering a gunshot wound to his leg.

Police have been told the man and his family were asleep at the home when they were woken by two loud noises. 

He was injured after a projectile entered the front window.

The man was treated by paramedics and taken to hospital for further treatment. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Following inquiries, investigators have released a CCTV image of a man they believe can assist with their inquiries.

The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, with a slim build. He ca be seen wearing a dark hooded jumper, light pants, and dark shoes.

Police are also seeking to identify four males seen walking along Flame Street a short time before the incident.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage from the area between 3.30am and 4.30am on Thursday 18 May 2023 is also urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

All information is treated in strict confidence.