Tens of thousands of damage done by fire in crime spree overnight

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Posted by WA POLICE:

Can You Help? - Geraldton police are seeking the public’s assistance with their investigation into several incidents within the Wonthella Sporting Complex on Eight Street in Wonthella last night.

Sometime between 10:30pm Saturday 31 January 2015 and 7am Sunday 1 February 2015, unknown offenders have damaged and stolen property from the Geraldton Little Athletics Club, La Fiamma Soccer Club and Aquarena.

The offenders also attended the Geraldton Hockey Association where they set fire to a sea container used for storage. New uniforms valued at $20,000 and hockey sticks valued at $4000 were destroyed in the fire.

Inquiries are continuing and police are asking anyone with any information regarding the above incidents to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

Police officer ends up with broken ankle after violent struggle

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Around 1:00am this morning (30/1/15) Police say they were pursuing a driver of a Holden Commodore in Urch St, Beresford but the driver attempted to evade them. Moments later they discovered the car parked in a driveway. 

They breath tested the man, who tested positive, and attempted to take him in to custody. 

However the man did not go peacefully, according to reports from Police. He struggled violently and a 36 year old Police officer ended up with a broken ankle. 

The man was eventually taken to the Police Station where he was charged with Failing to Accompany Police, Obstructing Police and Excess .05. 

The 20 year old man from Bootenal was released on bail and is to appear before the Geraldton Magistrate’s Court on 12 February 2015.

Children steal $10,000 - Get caught after going on shopping spree

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On Wednesday (28/1/15) a woman had her home broken in to in Karloo. According to relatives the home was trashed. 

Relatives of the woman said she had $10,000 in cash taken which included her daughter's school fees and her savings. They told us they know it's not wise to keep that much cash around, but she was old fashioned. We are also told that jewellery was also taken.

Police conducted enquiries and obtained descriptions of the suspects, which they passed on to security staff at the local shopping centres, in the expectation that the thieves would want to celebrate their new found found wealth with a shopping spree. 

Police say security staff at Stirlings Central (formerly Centro) alerted the police to a group of young females who were spending large sums of money.

After leaving the shopping centre via taxi they were dropped back to Karloo, where police were waiting for them. They were apprehended and found in possession of some of the stolen items. 

Here's the charges that have been made:

A 12 year-old Utakarra girl with 2 counts of committing Aggravated Burglary and Stealing. She was refused bail and will front the Geraldton Children’s Court this morning.

An 11 year-old Utakarra girl has been charged with 2 counts of committing Aggravated Burglary and Stealing and will appear before the Geraldton Children’s Court next month.

A further 12 year-old Utakarra girl was charged with committing Aggravated Burglary and Stealing and will appear before the Geraldton Children’s Court next month.

Finally a 15 year-old Karloo girl was arrested on warrants and was charged with Breach of Bail. She was refused bail and will front the Geraldton Children’s Court this morning. 

Video- This is why we can't have nice things - Drunk attacks sink at Breakers, lands on his butt

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According to the person who sent this in to Everything Geraldton, the video was recorded at Breakers in Geraldton. The video was posted online around 11pm Thursday evening 13/11/14. 

The video shows an intoxicated man attempting to lay the boot in to a tap, but gets his foot caught and falls backwards dropping his beer and hitting his head. 

The person who sent the video in said:

 

"Why do people in this town, think that they have the right to try and damage the facilities and small businesses that our community works so hard for?"

Video Security for your home or shop supplied and installed locally

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If you're looking for a high quality CCTV (closed circuit television) system for your home or shop, but don't know where to start, Watson Computers might be able to help you out. 

We had a chat with them about the cameras they provide and what's involved in getting one or more installed. 

The model they recommended to us was called a UniFi

The recording quality was pretty amazing, a lot higher than most of the CCTV footage we usually see. Here's a video sample of the 720p camera model working.

And it works amazing at night time too. 

The cameras used in these videos are $230 each to purchase. 

There's also a 1080p model available (even better resolution) and they're $810 each. If you can afford them they're great, but you probably don't need them everywhere. Some store owners will just point one of them at the entrance to the store to ID people, and use the cheaper cameras to keep an eye on key areas of the premises. 

There's no extra cost for the software needed to run these cameras.

They are available in stock. 

The reason the cameras work so well at night is they have infrared collars around them. You can also purchase Infrared Lamps which flood the area with even more infrared light, invisible to the human eye but it lights up the camera like daylight. 

What will it cost to install?

Watson Computers will give you a free quote to install a system. Each case is going to be different. 

What else will you need?

The footage needs something to record on to. They can record to your existing computer, or a dedicated hard drive or small computer. 

It will also need power. You can set it up so it draws power from the network cable, and Watson Computers can help you with that. 

You may want to provide back up power, or Western Power ask that if you lock your meter box it be with an approved Western Power masterkey lock – available from licensed locksmiths and security suppliers. Western Power meter readers will have a master key, and it stops would be thieves turning off your power. 

Click here for more info

There's lots of systems online one can purchase, but if you want some expertise in recommending the right cameras and equipment for the job, and peace of mind knowing you have somewhere you can go if there's any dramas, using a local retailer like Watson Computers is a good idea. 

Watson Computers are open 8:30-5:30 Mon to Fri and 9:00-1:00 on Saturday. Phone 08 9964 1543

They're located at 62 Flores Rd (near Place Rd). For more info click here. 

 

Punch results in Fractured Eye Socket

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At about 2:20am on Thursday 1 January 2015, police observed a male walking south on Lester Avenue in Geraldton.

Police observed the male interact with another couple (male/female) and after a short verbal exchange, the male struck the 19 year old male victim to the face. As a result the victim received a fractured eye socket.

Police arrested the male and conducted inquiries. He was later charged with assault occasioning bodily harm. The 23 year old male from West End will face Geraldton Magistrates Court on 29 January 2015. 

Alleged drug dealer hit by car on Chapman Rd

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Police say a 21 year old female driver from Northampton was driving a Mazda hatch yesterday along Chapman Rd near Mitchell and Brown when a cyclist rode his bike onto the road and collided with her vehicle. 

The 33 year old man was intending to cross the road, but had entered the path of the oncoming Mazda. He wasn't wearing a helmet, and ended up with abrasions to his knees and elbows, a cut to his head and a fractured vertebrae.

Police were called to the scene, and found the cyclist was carrying more than your typical pushbike rider. 

It was established the cyclist has in his possession of a quantity of dexamphetamine, an undisclosed quantity of cash and other drug paraphernalia.

As a result of those inquiries, the cyclist was charged with possessing a prohibited drug with intent to sell/supply, failing to give way from land abutting and failing to wear a protective helmet. He will face Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date. 

Rocks thrown at vehicle in Wonthella, community help requested

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This was sent in to Everything Geraldton on Australia Day:

"Can you please post a question asking people if they seen anyone around 8th st throwing rocks between 5-5.30 this morning (26 January) as my car has been damaged by this I have on camera the rock hitting my car at 5.26 but cant see the people. thank you"

Please contact Geraldton Police on 9923 4555 if you can assist. 

Can you identify this person?

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Police are investigating a burglary which occurred overnight between 8 & 9 January 2015, an unknown offender smashed the glass door to a business premises on Marine Terrace, Geraldton. Offenders entered the store and stole cash from the till, before fleeing the scene.

Police are hoping the person in the attached image will be able to provide some information in relation to the incident. 

Anyone with information is requested to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. 

 

Second arrest made over firearms theft

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Yesterday we shared information from the Geraldton Police about a firearms theft in Spalding that resulted in an arrest of a 17 year old male. Click here to read. 

Police say they have now arrested the second suspect, a 16 year old male. 

The arrest was made by the burglary suppression team and the 16 year old from Rangeway was charged with burglary and stealing.  

He will be appearing before Geraldton Children’s Court this morning. 

Arrests following theft of guns

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Police have arrested a 17 year old and are investigating a second suspect following the theft of firearms from a Spalding home on Monday. 

Between 10.00 am and 12.00 pm on Monday 19 January 2015, Police alleged two males attended a residence on Osborne Street in Spalding.

It will also be alleged, the males forced a window to gain entry to the premises and stole various property items including jewellery and forced entry to a gun safe, stealing 2 firearms.

The home owner returned, allegedly disturbing the males who fled with the stolen property. Police responded to the incident and located the firearms hidden in nearby bushland.

At 8.15 am on Tuesday 20 January 2015, a 17 year old male was arrested and charged with burglary and stealing. He faced Geraldton Children’s Court on 20 January 2015. The matter is back before the court on 27 January 2015.

Inquiries are continuing in relation to the second male offender. 

Desmond Petersen sentenced to four and a half years jail for leaving accident where two people died

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Desmond James Petersen was sentenced on Monday 19/1/15 for 4 years and 6 months jail over the incident in October 2013 where two pedestrians died after being hit by Mr Petersen’s vehicle. 

Mr Petersen was the driver of a Holden Rodeo that hit two people on Chapman Valley Road on October 5th, 2013.

Mr Petersen left the scene of the accident. 

The victims both died at the scene. 

Mr Petersen was found guilty in November of leaving the scene of an accident, failing to render assistance and failing to report an accident to the Police. 

Desmond Petersen sat expressionless while the judge recounted the events of October 5 2013 and handed down the sentence. 

Prior to reading the sentence, Judge Ronald Birmingham pointed out Mr Petersen’s prior drink driving record, and noted that Mr Petersen was less than a week away from losing his licence when the fateful incident occurred. He stated he did not believe Mr Petersen’s explanation of being in fear for his own safety, but he believed Mr Petersen only thought of himself and the trouble he would be in because he had been consuming alcohol prior to the accident. 

Desmond James Petersen. Pic: Supplied.

The judge repeatedly used the term “callous disregard” while describing the actions of Mr Petersen, stating he showed no clear expression of remorse or regret, and actually took active steps to inhibit the Police investigation by hiding his vehicle and consuming more alcohol after the incident. 

The judge also reminded Mr Petersen he was NOT being sentenced for killing the two people he hit, as it was impossible to determine exactly who was at fault. But instead for failing to do what any responsible driver should have done, in staying at the scene, rendering assistance and reporting the accident to the Police. 

Two of the three charges were each given a 2 year and 6 month sentence, which are to be served concurrently. 

The final charge was given 2 years which will be served cumulatively, making the total jail sentence 4 years and 6 months. 

Mr Petersen was told he would be eligible for parole after 2 and a half years.

The sentence will be backdated to the 21st of November 2014, which was when Mr Petersen was first taken into custody.

Mr Petersen will also be suspended from driving for four years after his release from jail. 

Mounted Police were part of an increased Police presence in Geraldton during the sentencing hearing, following protests that occurred in November 2013. However the day passed without incident. 


Regarding crime in Geraldton

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Everything Geraldton has grown quite large. Just on Facebook we have over 25,000 followers, 12,000 folks have the app, 40,000 or more unique visitors hit the website multiple times each month, and a few thousand mostly younger folks follow us on Instagram. 

So it’s a large audience, and with a large audience comes a large number of complaints… it’s impossible to please everyone. 

When we publish a story on crime, we get complaints about reporting too much crime. When we publish a story on real estate, we get complaints that we aren’t reporting on the crime. After a couple of years of this, we’ve gotten used to just getting up each day and reporting on or sharing what we think is the most relevant or interesting thing we can, and not being swayed too much by those keen to use Everything Geraldton for their own agenda, or just addicted to complaining. 

But I always get saddened when we do report on important matters like crime or break-ins, and those who want to vomit hate and vitriol at “those people” show up in the comments, using such an article as proof of their world view. 

I shudder to think of the things myself and many of my peers got up to in our ignorant youth. 

Me personally, through the kindness of fellow humans, I ended up on a better path and now I try to contribute to a better society the best way I see how. 

But I would be supremely arrogant to think I could have found that path alone. 

The idea of sharing suspicious activity or crime stories isn't to incite vitriolic hatred towards the disaffected people who have ended up in a life of crime, or are socially difficult to live alongside. 

It's simply there to help people stay informed, alert and safe, given the world we live in. 

Surely we can be mature enough to know that the broader societal issues we face won't be solved with vigilantism, hateful comments, or disdain for our fellow humans. 

Truthfully, I personally have never felt safer in Geraldton. While crime generally has NOT increased year on year (although it often spikes this time of year), I can now alert my fellow citizen to things happening instantaneously, and the police can ask for assistance from the public much quicker than in the past. 

I have lived in Rangeway, I have been robbed more than once, I have had drunks sleeping on my driveway, I have had to jump the back fence to break up violent domestics, I have been called a c... walking down the street more than once, I have had to replace a front door that was kicked in, I have had my life threatened more than once, I have had to call the Police 3 times in the last month... 

But I have also worked as a youth worker in Geraldton and seen first hand the start in life that many of these young kids must navigate. And despite all the things that have happened to me during my time in Geraldton, my heart is not bitter towards them, and I only have compassion and a desire to see these folks make a change in their lives for the better. 

If you think you're better than them because you also had a hard life too but you chose not to be a criminal, good for you. You're clearly better than the rest of us. 

Most of us are immensely shaped by the people we are around all day long, and find it extremely difficult to walk this life completely unaffected by peer pressure. But if you managed to do it all by yourself, email me your address and I'll post you a gold star. 

But I can't take credit for where I am. I had a loving mother who taught me not to steal. I had a father with a little bit of money to bank roll my crazy business ideas. My parents didn’t drink, and prioritised giving their children 3 meals a day over anything else. Although I have Aboriginal heritage, I was born white as snow and have never had people look at me suspiciously because of my appearance. 

And you can comment something really original like "where are the parents?" as if the parents aren't going through the exact same struggle and dealing with things like addiction, depression, jail time, fetal alcohol syndrome and a life of hurt.

If your idea of justice is giving these kids the same start in life as your privileged offspring, then by all means contribute your time, energy, money and ideas to making that a reality. If your idea of justice is just revenge, maybe get to know some of these kids personally first.  

Woman arrested for burglary

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A 25 year old female has been arrested and charged with burglary and stealing after robbing a business on Rowan Rd, Woorree, Police say.

Police will allege on Monday evening (12/1/15) the woman entered the premises via an unlocked door. While there she consumed several cans of cool drink, and stole property including a laptop computer and hand held radios. 

She was observed leaving the premises and returning to a nearby home. 

Police went to the house and found the stolen property.

The woman will face Geraldton Magistrates Court 5/2/15.

 


Wildlife deaths from fire upsets community - 15 year old charged over fire. Warning: graphic image

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Pic: Karl Monaghan Photography

A 15 year old has been charged with light fires that cause damage following yesterday's (10/1/15) fires in Geraldton.

Geraldton police could not release a large amount of information because the suspect is a juvenile, but they expressed that it was a very serious matter. 

While the offender is unlikely to receive the full penalty, the offence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. 

Police said that the drain on their resources and other emergency services was a serious matter. The 15 year old will face Geraldton Children's Court early February. 

Click here for more images from fire. 

The following was sent in by Darren Darch from Fauna for the Future. FOTF relocate wildlife from land developments, rescue sick and injured fauna, and remove snakes from homes. They were on the scene at yesterday's fire to try and assist any wildlife they could. 

I apologize in advance for these pictures.
These DEATHS are a direct result of the fire which was started deliberty in Webberton area 10th Jan 2015. Please people who have the intention of lighting fires contact me and we can walk through the bush together and I can show you how many lives you will affect with your actions. 
This is not good enough and needs to be stopped at a grass roots level, before they light the fire.
The community can also be vigilant and call police regarding any suspicious activity.

15 year old in Police custody following Geraldton fire

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Geraldton Police say that a 15 year old is in custody and assisting them with inquiries following bushfires today (Saturday 10/1/15) in Strathalbyn, Webberton and Spalding. 

Various pics from community members

High speed chase ends in arrests of "major burglary offenders"

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The spike in burglaries in Geraldton over the summer months will hopefully be somewhat abated after arrests on Friday. 

Numerous Everything Geraldton readers contacted us alerting the community to a Police pursuit that was underway. 

Police later tweeted that the vehicle they were pursuing was stolen, and two major burglary offenders were arrested. 

Another firearm seized

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A 27 year old man from Mt Tarcoola has been charged with numerous offences after police stopped his vehicle and found a firearm early this morning. 

Approx 2:30am (Friday 9 January 2015) Geraldton Police stopped a Toyota Prado on Eve Street, Beresford. 

Police say that the vehicle was subject to a search, and during the course of the search police located a modified .22 calibre rifle with scope which had been stolen during a burglary in Spalding in October 2014. 

It is further alleged that a subsequent search of the driver revealed a glass smoking implement and an amount of methyl-amphetamine.

The following charges were laid:

Possess stolen or unlawfully obtained property

Possess Firearm with circumstances of aggravation (altered) 

Possess a prohibited Drug (Methyl Amphetamine)

Possess smoking implement

The man will appear before Geraldton Magistrates Court on 22 January 2015.