By ANEEKA SIMONIS
PAKENHAM police, who investigated claims of an armed vigilante in the Pakenham area, have assured the community they are the only authority dishing out justice in the area.
Cardinia Crime Investigation Unit’s Detective Senior Sergeant Trevor Smith said a number of police immediately investigated claims that armed residents in the Cardinia Grove Estate area searched for masked thugs who broke into their cars earlier this month – which did not turn out to be true.
“It was thoroughly investigated by police who found nothing further. There were no further reports to corroborate or substantiate the information,” Det Sen Sgt Smith said.
“Members of the public should feel safe with the knowledge that there is no known vigilante taking the law into their own hands.”
Det Sen Sgt Smith said the community should feel comforted in knowing they are in control of crime in the area and urged residents to contact them first with reports of illegal activity.
He warned that residents illegally carrying a firearm might be subject to prosecution.
The cars broken into during the Wednesday 7 January incident, at Pashia Grove, Cherry Blossom Chase and Melissa Way, were each unlocked.
Police advise all drivers to lock their cars to deter opportunistic thieves who prey on easy targets.
