On the Beat

A 20-year-old Ballina man is facing a number of theft charges, as well as assault, following a series of break-ins in Ballina last week. The man allegedly broke into an apartment in Short Street, East Ballina, around 1.45am last Thursday, and attacked the 43-year-old female resident, bashing her with a metal box, after she interrupted him. The man escaped by jumping onto a shade sail from the building, but injured himself. When arrested he had a broken leg and wrist. He was charged with aggravated break, enter and steal. He was also charged with another break, enter and steal and the theft of a car in Grandview Street, Ballina, last Wednesday, as well as break, enter and steal from a unit in Harbourview Street, Ballina, last Thursday. He will appear in Ballina Local Court on December 10.

A laptop computer, camera and tool box were stolen from a property in Kingfisher Place, Goonellabah, between 5.30pm and 6.30pm last Wednesday. The thief got in through an in open window. Any information to Lismore Police on 6623 1599.

Police are reminding store owners to check cash carefully after a counterfeit note was passed in a Lismore store this week. Australia currency has a number of security features, including: the Coat of Arms is visible when held to light; the notes have a clear window; the serial numbers will fluoresce under UV light; there's a seven-point star, the printing is slightly raised and there's micro printing, and notes are printed on special polymer that has a distinctive feel.

More details online at www.rba.gov.au.

Three motorcyclists have been charged with traffic offences after Highway Patrol police caught them travelling at up to 132km/h in a 100 zone along the Pacific Highway at Tabbimobile last Friday morning. Police followed them as they crossed double lines to overtake, forcing cars off the road. Three riders, aged 39, 34 and 31, were stopped at Woodburn and issued with infringement notices.

Talking on a mobile phone while driving has cost a 39-year-old East Ballina man $1200 on the weekend. Police spotted him on the phone while at the Kerr and Fox streets roundabout. A check of his 1988 Ford revealed it was an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, leading to infringements for those offences, as well as the fine and demerit points for using his mobile phone.

CDs, a CD player, an Akubra hat and a pillow were stolen from an unlocked car parked in Casino Street, Lismore, some time between 4pm on Saturday and 1.30am Sunday.

Ballina Police have a number of bicycles handed in by the public over the last few weeks. If your bike is missing, contact Police with the details on 6681 8699, because it may have been recovered.

Thieves made an unsuccessful attempt to steal a horse from a property on Nimbin Road, just north of Lismore, some time between 2pm last Friday and 11am Monday. The 70-year-old owner was alerted after the gate was left open. Phone Lismore Police on 6623 1599 if you have any information.

Alstonville Police are seeking information over the theft of two dogs from a property on Teven Road, Alstonville between 8.15am and 2.15pm on Tuesday. The thieves forced a locked roller door to steal the dogs, electric collars and chains. Information to Alstonville Police on 6628 0244.

A wallet containing a considerable amount of cash and credit cards, plus two CDs, were stolen from a tent in Lismore's Brunswick Street caravan park some time between 5.30pm last Thursday and 11.45pm Friday. Information to Lismore Police on 6623 1599.