Eyewatch - Northern Grampians Police Service Area

02/11/2026

As we reflect on a devastating weekend on our roads, this image is a reminder that every layer of motorcycle safety matters.

For riders, that starts with safe riding. Ride to the conditions, know your limits and don't push beyond them.

Wearing the right protective gear matters too. It's not just about comfort or appearance; it's another layer of protection when the unexpected happens.

For drivers, the need to look out for riders doesn't end with Motorcycle Awareness Month. Before turning, merging or entering an intersection, take that extra moment and make sure a rider isn't there.

More on motorcycle safety: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/motorcycle-safety

30/10/2026

🚔 OPERATION FURLONG | MELBOURNE CUP LONG WEEKEND 🚔

Police across St Arnaud, Yarriambiack and Greater Northern Grampians will be highly visible on local roads throughout the Melbourne Cup long weekend as part of Operation Furlong.

🎥 Watch Senior Sergeant Tim Thomson explain the operation and why police will be targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, distraction, fatigue, motorcyclists and seatbelt offences.

If you're travelling this weekend:

🚗 Slow down
📵 Put the phone away
🍺 Never drive impaired
😴 Take regular breaks
🔒 Buckle up

Kill your speed before you kill someone. Let's work together to ensure everyone gets home safely.

29/10/2026

More than 2,900 speeding offences were detected during the AFL Grand Final long weekend, and we’re warning drivers not to make the same mistake this Melbourne Cup break.

Operation Furlong kicks off on Friday, with officers out in force across Victoria targeting speeding and other high-risk behaviours.

Last year, almost 3,000 drivers were caught speeding during the operation, with most travelling 10km/h to 25km/h over the limit.

If you’re heading away this weekend, slow down, allow extra travel time and remember: getting there safely is more important than getting there fast.

Read more: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/slowing-down-best-bet-ahead-operation-furlong

28/10/2026

Police are investigating the circumstances around damage caused to a fence at a property in Mareli St Stawell on the 25/09/2026 between 3:30-4:00am.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au. Reference number: 260402367

21/10/2026

Thinking about buying an electric fat bike?

Fat bikes are easy to spot thanks to their extra-wide tyres, but don't assume every electric fat bike is a legal e-bike.

Some models are capable of speeds and power levels that place them in the motorcycle category.

If that's the case, riders need:

✅ Registration
✅ A motorcycle licence or learner permit
✅ To be 18+

Check the rules before you buy: https://transport.vic.gov.au/road-and-active-transport/active-transport/bicycles/electric-bikes

20/10/2026

ST ARNAUD & YARRIAMBIACK POLICE CLUSTER – COMMUNITY UPDATE
📅 21 OCTOBER 2026

Welcome to the latest Community Update from the St Arnaud and Yarriambiack Police Cluster.

These updates are provided to keep the community informed and raise awareness of local policing matters and road safety issues across our area.
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🔍 RECENT CRIME & TRAFFIC INCIDENTS – COMMUNITY AWARENESS

DRIVE UNREGISTERED VEHICLE
At approximately 10:20am on 21 September 2026, police intercepted a vehicle on Alma Street, St Arnaud. Checks revealed the vehicle was unregistered. The driver was issued a $1,046 infringement notice for driving an unregistered vehicle.

RIDER CAUGHT EXCEEDING THE SPEED LIMIT
At approximately 12:45pm on 18 September 2026, police intercepted a motorcycle travelling at an alleged 112 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on the Sunraysia Highway at Carapooee West. The rider received a $418 infringement and three demerit points.

🚓 CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO MOTOR VEHICLE
At approximately 2:30pm on 29 September 2026, the four tyres of a motor vehicle parked at the rear of a Napier Street, St Arnaud address were allegedly punctured using a sharp object.

The incident was captured on CCTV, enabling police to identify a suspect. Investigations remain ongoing.

Police remind residents to report suspicious behaviour promptly. If you witness suspicious activity occurring at the time, contact Triple Zero (000) immediately. Timely reporting can assist police in preventing offences and identifying offenders.

📬 MAIL STOLEN
Between approximately 12:00pm and 5:30pm on 24 September 2026, mail delivered to a residential address on Jamouneau Street, Warracknabeal was allegedly stolen.

🚙 SPEEDING DRIVER
At 6:25pm on 10 October 2026, a 29-year-old Frankston North man driving a Ford Ranger was detected speeding on the Wimmera Highway at Gre Gre.

Police allege the vehicle was travelling at 126 km/h in a 100 km/h zone. The driver received a $575 infringement notice and a three-month licence suspension.

🏠 WARRACKNABEAL BURGLARY
Between 4 October 2026 and 7 October 2026, a residential property on Thomas Street, Warracknabeal was unlawfully entered and multiple items were allegedly stolen. Investigations are continuing.

🚗 SPEEDING LICENCE LOSS
On Saturday 17 October 2026, police detected a vehicle travelling on the St Arnaud-Ararat Road at Beazley’s Bridge at an alleged speed of 128 km/h in a 100 km/h zone.

The driver, from Lockington, received a $575 infringement notice and a three-month licence suspension.

🚘 MISUSE OF UNREGISTERED VEHICLE PERMIT
At approximately 8:45pm on Friday 16 October 2026, police observed a vehicle travelling on the Sunraysia Highway, St Arnaud North, without number plates displayed.

Enquiries revealed the 23-year-old Ballarat driver was allegedly operating the vehicle outside the conditions of an unregistered vehicle permit. The driver was issued a $1,046 infringement notice and was not permitted to continue driving the vehicle until daylight hours.

🎨 GRAFFITI VANDALISM
Police are aware of an increase in graffiti vandalism throughout the St Arnaud township.

If you are aware of graffiti that may not have been reported to police, please contact the Police Assistance Line (PAL) on 131 444 or submit a report via the PAL online reporting platform.

Police encourage all residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour, property crime, dangerous driving, or information relating to criminal activity.
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🚨 COMMUNITY SAFETY REMINDER
Police encourage all residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour, property crime, dangerous driving, or information relating to criminal activity.

Anyone with information about any crime or suspicious activity is encouraged to contact their local police station, the Police Assistance Line (PAL) on 131 444, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can also be provided confidentially online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

📞 Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000
💻 Report online: www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
📞 Police Assistance Line (PAL): 131 444
🚨 Emergency: Triple Zero (000)

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😁 JOKE TO BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY
What did the ocean say to the beach? Nothing, it just waved. 🌊👋

19/10/2026

During the afternoon of 5th September 2026 unknown offenders have stolen a silver 2015 Leader caravan registration X47035 from outside 109 Henty Highway in Warracknabeal.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Warracknabeal Police on 5396 2100 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and quote the reference number 260374233.

19/10/2026

Have you located an abandoned tolley? 🛒

Report abandoned trolleys by using one of the below options.

Option 1: 📸 Snap Send Solve App.
www.snapsendsolve.com is in use throughout Ararat Rural City Council and Northern Grampians Shire

Option 2: Directly to the retailer.
Woolworths Group (Woolworths, Dan Murphy’s and Big W)
🌐 Online: Visit: https://trolleytracker.com.au/woolworths
📱Mobile App: Download the free Trolley Tracker app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
📞 Phone: Call free on 1800 641 497 (available 7 days, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM AEST).

Other retailers.
📞Richies Ararat: (03) 5352 1020 and Stawell: (03) 5358 1322
📞Ritchies Head Office: (03) 9784 2000
📞Weirs St Arnaud: (03) 5495 1211
📞13 25 34 Aldi

18/10/2026

Northern Grampians Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested a further two teenagers following an investigation into an assault in Stawell on 5 October.

It's alleged a 15-year-old boy was set upon by a group of youths near the intersection of Wakeham and Doye streets about 5.45pm.

The group allegedly assaulted the boy, stealing his shoes and clothing before fleeing the scene on foot.

The boy was taken to hospital for treatment and has since been released.

Yesterday, a 16-year-old girl from the Northern Grampians area was arrested and is expected to be charged on summons.

Today, detectives arrested a 14-year-old boy from the Northern Grampians area.

He has been charged with robbery, theft, recklessly cause injury and affray and will appear before a children’s court at a later date.

On 13 October, detectives arrested a 14-year-old boy and two 15-year-old boys, all from the Northern Grampians area.

The trio were charged with affray, robbery, recklessly cause injury and theft and will appear before a children’s court at a later date.

Additional patrols will also be deployed to the Stawell area to deter and detect anti-social behaviour.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Northern Grampians Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested a further two teenagers following an investigation into an assault in Stawell on 5 October.

16/10/2026

Due to recent feedback from the community, police are increasing foot patrols at certain locations around Stawell.

If you see members around town, please don't be afraid to say hi.