Mardi Gras party-goers caught with drugs
BY CHLOE LAM
Ninety six people have been charged for possession of drugs at the annual Sydney Mardi Grass ‘After Party’.
On Sunday night, officers from Surry Hills Local Area Command and the Dog Unit conducted a four-hour long drug detection operation to uncover anyone in possession of drugs at the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park.
Police had searched more than 200 partygoers and found 96 people who are now charged with drug possession, while three were issued cannabis cautions.
Police also arrested a man for the theft of multiple tickets to the event valued at a total of $10,000. Inquiries are continuing into that arrest.
Surry Hills Local Area Command Duty Officer Inspector Stephen Crews said the operation was carried out to ensure the safety and security of all the people who attended.
“We make no apologies for doing what we can to stop people taking drugs into this type of event,” Inspector Crews said. “We want everyone who attends these parties to have a good time in a safe and secure environment.”
Teenaged armed bandits face court
BY ALICIA CROWHURST
A man and three teenagers will face court after they were allegedly involved in an armed robbery in Mascot.
On Tuesday afternoon a 51-year old male employee was working in a convenience story on Alfred Street when he was allegedly confronted by a man and a teenage boy. After threatening the employee with a firearm, they proceeded to remove money from behind the counter.
The alleged offenders then ran out of the store and the employee contacted the police. No shots were fired and there were no injuries.
A short while later, police stopped a Suzuki Swift and arrested an 18 year old man and three teenagers aged between 15 and 16 in relation to the incident. In the car they discovered a replica firearm, gloves, balaclava, cigarettes and an amount of cash.
All teenagers were charged with armed robbery and will appear in Waverley court today.
Shots fired, Padstow Heights
BY ARIEL CAWARD
Police were called after a number of shots were fired into a house in Padstow Heights at 2.10am this morning.
Two children and a 56-year-old man were inside the Sewell Avenue residence at the time of the shooting, however there were no injuries as a result of the incident.
Police have established a crime scene at the house and have begun to make further inquiries.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/
Woman ‘carjacked’, Haymarket
BY MONICA SANTANGELO
A woman was carjacked at a central Sydney shopping centre just after 6pm on Tuesday night by a man armed with a knife and syringe.
The 26-year-old female was sitting in her stationary car, a red 2010-Model Mazda 3, in the car park of Haymarket shopping centre complex when the man approached her. He forced the woman out of the car and drove off at high speed, crashing the boom gate as he left the Haymarket car park.
Police from City Central Local Area Command attended the scene to find the female victim safe and uninjured.
Investigations are still underway and officers are now seeking public assistance.
Drugs, cash found in Bankstown home
BY SANG LAM
Police discovered illicit drugs and a large amount of cash in a house in Bankstown yesterday.
During the search, police discovered an amount of marijuana, as well as drug equipment.
Police also claimed that more than $10,000 was found in the home.
The drugs and cash were seized by police. They are interviewing a male 33-year-old resident of the house. The investigation continues.
Glebe Town Hall glamour revamp
BY JARRAI TURAY
Glebe Town Hall is revamped and ready for a grand opening after a two year long restoration project on the heritage-listed site.
The grand opening on March 2nd will display the results of the newly improved town hall. City of Sydney council has been renovating the significant site since 2011, as natural damages to the exterior of the building made it inevitable for the first major renovation of the Town Hall in more than 132 years. The lengthy project has rescued heritage features such as salt and water damage to the facade and restoring the clock tower to working order.
The improved building will also provide the local community with meeting rooms and hire spaces that can be used for dance classes, parties, support groups and counselling.
On Saturday March 2nd, Sydneysiders are encouraged to step inside Glebe Town Hall and see firsthand how the City of Sydney has lovingly restored the unique historical features of the building.
Featured photo: willy-photographer/flickr