Coffins stolen
A warehouse break-in at Braybrook last month netted two thieves 17 coffins. The men broke into a storage area between midday and 2pm on January 15, making off with a morbid haul valued at about $34,000. Maribyrnong police inspector Tony Long said it was one of the most bizarre crimes he had come across. He said the pair had been seen in the area with a small truck. Both men are believed to be Caucasian, with one in his late 20s, the other in his mid-to-late 30s. If you have information, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Car-boot murder charges
Two men faced Melbourne Magistrates Court last week charged over the death of Footscray man Kenan Balikel, whose body was found in a car boot on Bulla-Diggers Rest Road in October last year. John Butorac, 48, of Keilor Downs, was charged on Friday with murder. He was remanded until a filing hearing on Thursday. Ante Bacak, 45, was charged with being an accessory to murder. He was remanded until a committal mention on June 5. The charred remains of Mr Balikel, 42, were found in the boot of his unregistered Peugeot on October 31 last year.
‘Greener’ lights for west
More than 1400 street lights in Altona, Seaholme, Altona North and Altona East will be upgraded by March, saving 24,957 tonnes of carbon emissions and an estimated $200,000 each year. Another 2500 lights will be upgraded next financial year.
