Friday, July 18, 2014
Beekeeper accused of stealing beeswax to support his drug habit
A Californian beekeeper has been charged with stealing nearly 200 pounds (91 kg) of beeswax from the farmer who employed him, to melt it into blocks and sell it to support his drug habit, in what local police say is their first arrest for pilfering the substance.
Karl Robert Glick from Chowchilla was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of burglary and possessing stolen property after deputies found the stolen beeswax at his home, said Erica Stuart, a spokeswoman for the Madera County Sheriff's Department.
"This is a bonafide agricultural theft," she said. Glick, 26, reportedly melted the wax into blocks so he could easily sell it, Stuart said. Investigators believe Glick may have stolen and sold wax to support his drug habit, Stuart said.
A Fresno-based company had apparently purchased the wax, which sells for about $3.20 per pound. Although deputies have investigated thefts of bee hives, this incident was the first involving beeswax in Madera County, Stuart said.
Karl Robert Glick from Chowchilla was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of burglary and possessing stolen property after deputies found the stolen beeswax at his home, said Erica Stuart, a spokeswoman for the Madera County Sheriff's Department.
"This is a bonafide agricultural theft," she said. Glick, 26, reportedly melted the wax into blocks so he could easily sell it, Stuart said. Investigators believe Glick may have stolen and sold wax to support his drug habit, Stuart said.
A Fresno-based company had apparently purchased the wax, which sells for about $3.20 per pound. Although deputies have investigated thefts of bee hives, this incident was the first involving beeswax in Madera County, Stuart said.
South African metal thieves have stolen up to 10km of working railway track
Metal thieves in the Ekurhuleni municipality in South Africa have stolen up to 10km (6 miles) of working railway track, causing about R25 million (£1.3m, $2.3m) of damage.
Huge chunks of track were stolen over the course of several months from a line used to take trains from Johannesburg to a depot in the town of Nigel.
The financial effect could also threaten hundreds of jobs and force a repair depot to close its doors. A meeting was held on Monday between the municipality, rail authorities, police and the repair depot to discuss how to fix the problem, after it emerged last week that the railway line had been stolen by what appeared to be a highly professional gang of thieves.
Thumbu Mahlangu, the Ekurhuleni MMC for roads and transport, said it was too early to assess when construction would begin. “Government is taking full responsibility (for the replacement),” he said. He said they would work closely with Transnet and the carriage repair company the track serviced, the Commuter Transport and Locomotive Engineering (CTLE) depot. CTLE estimated the size of the theft to be bigger than the 5km that was initially thought to have been stolen.
YouTube link.
“It is probably now 7km (or) 8km. Even up to 10km,” said Thembaletu Fikizolo, CTLE’s human resources executive. Ten kilometres of rail equals 960 tons of steel and an estimated R2.6 million on the scrap market. The director of a Gauteng-based railway construction company calculated it could cost up to R25m to replace 10km of track.
The financial effect could also threaten hundreds of jobs and force a repair depot to close its doors. A meeting was held on Monday between the municipality, rail authorities, police and the repair depot to discuss how to fix the problem, after it emerged last week that the railway line had been stolen by what appeared to be a highly professional gang of thieves.
Thumbu Mahlangu, the Ekurhuleni MMC for roads and transport, said it was too early to assess when construction would begin. “Government is taking full responsibility (for the replacement),” he said. He said they would work closely with Transnet and the carriage repair company the track serviced, the Commuter Transport and Locomotive Engineering (CTLE) depot. CTLE estimated the size of the theft to be bigger than the 5km that was initially thought to have been stolen.
YouTube link.
“It is probably now 7km (or) 8km. Even up to 10km,” said Thembaletu Fikizolo, CTLE’s human resources executive. Ten kilometres of rail equals 960 tons of steel and an estimated R2.6 million on the scrap market. The director of a Gauteng-based railway construction company calculated it could cost up to R25m to replace 10km of track.
Teenagers robbed at knifepoint for doughnuts
Two teenage boys in Australia have told of how they queued for two hours to buy doughnuts from Adelaide’s first Krispy Kreme store, only to have them stolen at knifepoint moments later.
One of the 17-year-old victims said he wanted to celebrate the start of his apprenticeship with doughnuts for his new boss and family.
When he and a friend arrived at the West Croydon store at just before 10:00pm on Wednesday, the drive-through was closed so they parked nearby. After two hours in the queue they returned to their car with six boxes of doughnuts when the thief struck. “He was pretty much saying ‘if you don’t give me the doughnuts now I’m going to stab you’,” one of the boys said. The thief took the doughnuts but did not demand anything else.
The other victim said: “It’s pretty bad, you think he’d take the money or something, but he took the doughnuts.” Police hope security video will help identify the suspect. They want any witnesses to come forward. The thief is described as a Caucasian man aged 16 to 20, about 165cm tall and wearing a black hooded jumper and black trackpants.
YouTube link.
Doughnut chain Krispy Kreme this week opened its first South Australian chain, with some customers queuing outside for days before the opening. The store manager Mark Higginbottom believes the robbery was an isolated incident, but he will be beefing up security just in case. He has promised to replace the stolen doughnuts, but the boys say they are too frightened to revisit the store.
When he and a friend arrived at the West Croydon store at just before 10:00pm on Wednesday, the drive-through was closed so they parked nearby. After two hours in the queue they returned to their car with six boxes of doughnuts when the thief struck. “He was pretty much saying ‘if you don’t give me the doughnuts now I’m going to stab you’,” one of the boys said. The thief took the doughnuts but did not demand anything else.
The other victim said: “It’s pretty bad, you think he’d take the money or something, but he took the doughnuts.” Police hope security video will help identify the suspect. They want any witnesses to come forward. The thief is described as a Caucasian man aged 16 to 20, about 165cm tall and wearing a black hooded jumper and black trackpants.
YouTube link.
Doughnut chain Krispy Kreme this week opened its first South Australian chain, with some customers queuing outside for days before the opening. The store manager Mark Higginbottom believes the robbery was an isolated incident, but he will be beefing up security just in case. He has promised to replace the stolen doughnuts, but the boys say they are too frightened to revisit the store.
Italian beach launches first dog ambulance
A pet-friendly Italian beach has introduced an ambulance service for dogs, to treat four-legged companions feeling ill in the heat.
Bathers at the seaside resort of Bibione, near Venice, can ring a helpline called Mi Fido di Te - the Italian for "I trust you" - and volunteers equipped with oxygen, dressing kits and a microchip reader will tend to the dog.
Local authorities have said it is most common to see dogs suffering from sunstroke or dehydration, or who injure themselves while playing on the sand. In serious cases, pets can be stretchered from the beach to a veterinary clinic.
The service is free, but the volunteers accept donations to help cover costs. Bibione resort already has a range of canine facilities, including showers, beds and leashes, as well as Pluto Beach, which is especially for dogs.
Bathers at the seaside resort of Bibione, near Venice, can ring a helpline called Mi Fido di Te - the Italian for "I trust you" - and volunteers equipped with oxygen, dressing kits and a microchip reader will tend to the dog.
Local authorities have said it is most common to see dogs suffering from sunstroke or dehydration, or who injure themselves while playing on the sand. In serious cases, pets can be stretchered from the beach to a veterinary clinic.
The service is free, but the volunteers accept donations to help cover costs. Bibione resort already has a range of canine facilities, including showers, beds and leashes, as well as Pluto Beach, which is especially for dogs.
Fisherman embedded hook in rival angler's face in apparent case of rod rage
An angler in Torquay was left with a hook embedded in his cheek after a shore-based fisherman deliberately cast his line at his boat.
Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident off Hopesnose at around 6.30am on Sunday, July 13.
Jason Ould, who operates NJ Fisheries was mackeral fishing in his 19ft Orkney fastliner boat.
It appears that the boat was deliberately targeted by a shore-based fisherman by ‘casting’ his rod in the boat's direction. The victim was struck and a large barbed hook was embedded in his left cheek. He said that the hook was weighted with a 2oz lead which could have caused a worse injury. Jason said: "If that had hit me between the eyes, that could have been very serious.
"I have a high pain threshold because I have been a fisherman all my life and I'm used to getting a hook in my hand but when it is other people putting your life in danger, it is a different story. I was very angry about it." He said that there has always been competition between sports anglers and commercial fisherman but the mood at Hope's Nose has changed recently.
He added: "It's not like it used to be and people shouldn't have to put up with these sorts of dangers." Jason said that there were a large number of shore based fisherman in the area at the time. Police are appealing to them for information to identify the offender who is believed to have left prior to police attending. Police are also advising anglers of the seriousness of such actions and the injuries that it can cause.
It appears that the boat was deliberately targeted by a shore-based fisherman by ‘casting’ his rod in the boat's direction. The victim was struck and a large barbed hook was embedded in his left cheek. He said that the hook was weighted with a 2oz lead which could have caused a worse injury. Jason said: "If that had hit me between the eyes, that could have been very serious.
"I have a high pain threshold because I have been a fisherman all my life and I'm used to getting a hook in my hand but when it is other people putting your life in danger, it is a different story. I was very angry about it." He said that there has always been competition between sports anglers and commercial fisherman but the mood at Hope's Nose has changed recently.
He added: "It's not like it used to be and people shouldn't have to put up with these sorts of dangers." Jason said that there were a large number of shore based fisherman in the area at the time. Police are appealing to them for information to identify the offender who is believed to have left prior to police attending. Police are also advising anglers of the seriousness of such actions and the injuries that it can cause.
BBC weather presenter upstaged by dirty dog
BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood was "upstaged" on live television yesterday morning when a dog relieved itself during a broadcast.
The meteorologist was broadcasting from West Wittering beach, in West Sussex, when a dog called Connie, who belongs to a BBC producer, crept into shot.
YouTube link.
BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin had spotted the dog in the background, and said: "Oh Carol, don't look behind you!" Co-host Charlie Stayt added: "Don't turn round!"
Spotting the dog as it sauntered off, Kirkwood said: "Upstaged by a dog, it's the story of my life."
The meteorologist was broadcasting from West Wittering beach, in West Sussex, when a dog called Connie, who belongs to a BBC producer, crept into shot.
YouTube link.
BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin had spotted the dog in the background, and said: "Oh Carol, don't look behind you!" Co-host Charlie Stayt added: "Don't turn round!"
Spotting the dog as it sauntered off, Kirkwood said: "Upstaged by a dog, it's the story of my life."
Council apologise after man was locked inside closed-down toilets for more than 24 hours
Council bosses have apologised after a man was locked in a closed-down public toilet for more than 24 hours and was only discovered after a passerby heard his cries for help.
The man, thought to be homeless, had entered the toilets on the High Street in Weston, Bath, on Sunday to use it as somewhere dry and warm to sleep for the night.
However, unbeknown to the man the very next morning a task force from private firm Healthmatic came and locked the toilets but without checking they were empty.
The man was not discovered until 10.30am on Tuesday morning after a passerby heard him knocking and calling for help.
Mother-of-three Lucy Giffen, 39, was taking her children to the Weston Toy Library held at the nearby Children’s Centre when she heard the man. “We walked passed and I thought I could hear someone shouting and banging the door so I went back - I did think I was hearing things. I called the police and they had to get someone to come and release him. He was so obviously a homeless man, but that isn’t the point. He was in there all day, in the hot weather. Other people must have walked past and not heard him. He did press the alarm and the red light was flashing but it’s obviously not connected to anything because no one came. I am disgusted that they didn’t check before they put the lock on.”
The public toilets in Weston are one of five facilities across Bath and north east Somerset now closed by the local authority in an attempt to save money. Healthmatic, the private firm brought in by B&NES Council to manage its network of public toilets, locked the toilets in Weston at 7am on Monday morning, along with toilets in Larkhall, Twerton, Combe Down and Peasedown St John. Bath North East Somerset Council said: “We apologise unreservedly to the man in question, who is fortunately unharmed by this incident. We have now taken action with our contractors to ensure that they follow procedure so that this cannot happen again.” Healthmatic has admitted that staff only knocked on the door of the toilet and did not go inside.
The company said in a statement: “Healthmatic’s cleaning and maintenance staff did the final locking up of the toilets on Monday. They knocked on the door as a check and no response was received. It was not opened and visually checked – this should have been done as correct procedure. All the disabled toilets have an emergency alarm – it seems that when the man awoke on Tuesday morning, he sounded the alarm via a pull cord in the toilet and he also banged on the door; this was heard by a passing member of the public who alerted the police, who in turn called Healthmatic. A Healthmatic supervisor was on site within five to 10 minutes of the call; they offered to take the man to the RUH or a doctors’ surgery for a check-up, which he declined. He was offered food which he accepted and walked away unharmed. The man said that he was happy with the outcome to the Healthmatic staff and police.” The council added that all of the closed toilets were revisited on Tuesday to make sure they were empty.
Mother-of-three Lucy Giffen, 39, was taking her children to the Weston Toy Library held at the nearby Children’s Centre when she heard the man. “We walked passed and I thought I could hear someone shouting and banging the door so I went back - I did think I was hearing things. I called the police and they had to get someone to come and release him. He was so obviously a homeless man, but that isn’t the point. He was in there all day, in the hot weather. Other people must have walked past and not heard him. He did press the alarm and the red light was flashing but it’s obviously not connected to anything because no one came. I am disgusted that they didn’t check before they put the lock on.”
The public toilets in Weston are one of five facilities across Bath and north east Somerset now closed by the local authority in an attempt to save money. Healthmatic, the private firm brought in by B&NES Council to manage its network of public toilets, locked the toilets in Weston at 7am on Monday morning, along with toilets in Larkhall, Twerton, Combe Down and Peasedown St John. Bath North East Somerset Council said: “We apologise unreservedly to the man in question, who is fortunately unharmed by this incident. We have now taken action with our contractors to ensure that they follow procedure so that this cannot happen again.” Healthmatic has admitted that staff only knocked on the door of the toilet and did not go inside.
The company said in a statement: “Healthmatic’s cleaning and maintenance staff did the final locking up of the toilets on Monday. They knocked on the door as a check and no response was received. It was not opened and visually checked – this should have been done as correct procedure. All the disabled toilets have an emergency alarm – it seems that when the man awoke on Tuesday morning, he sounded the alarm via a pull cord in the toilet and he also banged on the door; this was heard by a passing member of the public who alerted the police, who in turn called Healthmatic. A Healthmatic supervisor was on site within five to 10 minutes of the call; they offered to take the man to the RUH or a doctors’ surgery for a check-up, which he declined. He was offered food which he accepted and walked away unharmed. The man said that he was happy with the outcome to the Healthmatic staff and police.” The council added that all of the closed toilets were revisited on Tuesday to make sure they were empty.
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