Police in the Illawarra region have launched a public appeal for information to locate eight alleged fugitives, with four of them wanted specifically in connection to domestic violence offences.
Mugshots Released in Public Appeal
The New South Wales Police have taken the unusual step of releasing the mugshots of eight individuals, urging the community to come forward with any knowledge of their whereabouts. The group includes four men accused of domestic violence crimes.
The alleged offenders are known to frequent nine specific suburbs across the Illawarra: Oak Flats, Jaspers Brush, Milton, Warrawong, Wollongong, Warilla, Berkeley, Port Kembla, and Bellambi.
Details of the Wanted Individuals
Officers from the Wollongong Police District are conducting an active warrant blitz. The individuals sought and their alleged offences are:
Matthew Monkerud, 47, wanted for domestic violence offences. He is known to frequent Oak Flats, Jaspers Brush, and Milton.
Steven Lawer, 41, also wanted for domestic violence. His known haunts are Warrawong and Wollongong.
Brian Welland, 45, is another domestic violence suspect. Police believe he frequents Warilla and Berkeley.
Brock Martin, 29, is wanted for alleged domestic violence and traffic offences. He is linked to Port Kembla and Bellambi.
Aaron Lovich, 29, is sought by police in relation to alleged firearm offences. He is known to be in Berkeley and surrounding suburbs.
Kirsty Wilton, 41, is accused of stealing offences and frequents Berkeley.
Two More Sought in Police Blitz
Police are also searching for two other men as part of their operation, though the specific nature of their alleged crimes has not been disclosed.
Lee Ping, 37, is known to frequent the Bellambi area. Police describe him as Caucasian with a thin build, fair complexion, standing about 165-170cm tall, with brown hair and brown eyes. "Officers from Wollongong Police District have conducted numerous inquiries into his whereabouts but have been unable to locate him," a police statement said.
Joel Westman, 26, is linked to Wollongong, West Wollongong, and Figtree. He is described as Caucasian with an obese build, fair complexion, approximately 180-185cm tall, with red hair, a beard, and blue eyes.
How the Public Can Help
Authorities are urging anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of these individuals to contact Crime Stoppers immediately. The service provides an anonymous avenue for tip-offs.
Members of the public should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. All information will be treated confidentially.
