Heatherbrae Fire

AT approximately 11pm on Thursday 25 August, emergency services were called to a caravan fire at Heatherbrae.

The occupant was woken by a working smoke alarm and managed to escape with only minor injuries.

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Raymond Terrace Fire and Rescue says it is a timely reminder to have working smoke alarms.

“These must be regularly checked and replaced every ten years, including caravans and motorhomes which by law, must have at least one alarm,” a representative from the Brigade said.

Think Before You Click

Crime Stoppers NSW is issuing advice to ‘think before you click’.

“Scammers are using applications via text that, once opened, can add malware to your phone and/or extract your personal details.

“If you receive a text message from an unknown number or entity, think twice about responding,” the organisation said.

“Be careful about clicking on links and attachments, even if a message seems to come from a legitimate source or someone you know.”

Crime Stoppers NSW says it is always safer to look something up or type in a web address yourself.

“If you suspect your phone has been infected with malware, back up your personal items only (such as photos, authenticators), and complete a factory reset on your device,” they said.

Geo-Targeting

Receive a text from +61 444 444 444?

The NSW Police Force uses geo-targeting to help locate vulnerable missing persons, sending emergency alerts to mobiles in the area where the person went missing.

If you receive a text message from +61 444 444 444, it is an official alert to seek your assistance.

It is not a scam.

The NSW Police Force says the message will always come from the same mobile number and the message will always include a link to an image of the missing person.

Port Stephens Dance Teacher

A former Port Stephens dance teacher accused of sexually and indecently assaulting five girls, including four students, will face a trial in Sydney in August 2023.

The 28-year-old was committed for trial in Newcastle Local Court in April on seven charges, including aggravated sexual assault, three counts of indecent assault and sexual intercourse with a person under his care.

Detectives say the alleged offences relate to five girls, aged between 12 and 17, and occurred between 2014 and 2019.

The trial, which has an estimate of between three and five weeks, has been sent to Sydney, but the former dance is yet to be arraigned because the Department of Public Prosecutions is still awaiting approval from the Attorney General’s Department to lay a charge for an offence that allegedly occurred on a cruise ship in international waters.

By Tara CAMPBELL