14 and 15 year old girls charged with stealing vehicle

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Two girls have been charged after a stolen vehicle was located in Utakarra. 

Just before midnight on Saturday (21/2/15) Police say a white Toyota Echo was stolen in Dongara. The following night Police spotted the vehicle in Utakarra on Roberts Rd. 

Police say the vehicle had four juveniles inside it, and they managed to stopped the vehicle without incident.

A 14 year old female from Sunset Beach was charged with stealing a motor vehicle, driving with no drivers licence and giving a false name. 

A 15 year old female from Geraldton was charged with stealing a motor vehicle and driving with no drivers licence.

Class room trashed; Bluff Point Primary broken into over weekend

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Bluff Point Primary School was broken into twice over the weekend, between 9-9.30pm on both Friday & Saturday nights.

On Friday offenders have gained entry to the pre-primary/year one classroom, causing damage to the room & contents, as well as destroying students artwork once inside. Nothing has been reported stolen.

On Saturday night offenders gained entry to admin by kicking a window in. Nothing has been reported stolen.

If anyone has information in relation to these incidents, please contact Crimestoppers 1800 333 000 or Geraldton Police Station 9923 4555.

The school made a post on their Facebook page with images from the incidents saying the young students would be distraught, and apologising to parents for the disruption. 

 

Arrest made following Gearing Butcher burlgary

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On Feb 11 2015 we reported that Gearing Butchers was robbed. (Link)

The owners had stated a large amount of meat had been taken. 

Police had been conducting inquiries into the matter, and on Friday (20/2/15) officers from the local policing team (LPT) attended a home in Sullivan Court, Spalding where they executed a search warrant.

Police say that during the search they recovered a large amount of of the stolen meat from the freezer. 

The 40 year old male from Spalding was arrested and charged with burglary and stealing. He will face Geraldton Magistrates Court on 26 March 2015.

Further inquiries are ongoing by Police. 

$1000 reward offered for return of stolen medals

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Frank Miragliotta is pleading with whoever knows about some stolen medals and a pocket watch to help him get them back. 

He posted on Everything Geraldton: "...please return my Grandfather's service medals and pocket watch! You cannot sell them as his name is written all over them. They have no value to you but mean the world to us."

He also posted "$1000 Cash no questions asked for the return or information on the whereaboutsor who has possession of my Grandfather's service medals."

We haven't got a phone number yet for Frank, but you can reach his Facebook profile by clicking here. 

Man on the run after bus rollover on Brand Hwy according to witnesses

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We have just received reports from a person travelling on the Brand Hwy who says they have come across a bus that has rolled, 190km south of Geraldton.

The man, named Shaun, spoke with us about what he saw. 

He says he was informed by authorities at the scene that bus had been stolen by a prison escapee. There was no-one else in the bus apparently when it rolled. (Update- Police have stated the man left a rehab centre in Northam)

The person who was driving the bus seems to have fled on foot. 

"It's the scariest thing I've ever come across on this road," Shaun tells us. He says based on the state of the bus he expected there to be multiple fatalities. 

Ambulance and fire services were at the scene. 

Witnesses described the person who fled as a caucasian male, but we are waiting Police confirmation of the suspect. 

If you come across a hitchhiker in the area please contact Police. 

Shaun tells us he came across the bus around 8:15pm this evening. 

We will update this story as more information becomes available. 

- Update 9:26pm; We've spoken with Police several times and they have been unable to confirm or deny any particulars of what witnesses have told Everything Geraldton, other than to say a crash has occurred. 

- Update 7:53 am - Police say the man is from a rehab centre in Northam. He stole the bus before crashing it and fleeing the scene. 

Tough home invasion and burglary laws a top priority for first up debate

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said today the Liberal National Government has re-affirmed its commitment to law and order by listing its tough home invasion and burglary laws as the first item for debate this Parliamentary year.  

In delivering this election commitment, the toughest penalties in Australia would be imposed for serious home invasion offenders.  Mandatory sentencing laws for serial home burglars would also be tightened. 

Mr Blayney said the laws will protect the victims - the people who have had their homes broken into and been terrorised and attacked during a home invasion.  

The legislation mandated minimum jail terms of 75 per cent of the maximum sentence for an adult offender who committed serious physical or sexual assault during a home burglary. This means:  

  • an offender who breaks into a house and rapes someone will face a minimum of 15 years jail;
  • an offender who breaks into a house and seriously physically assaults someone will face a minimum of seven years, six months jail;
  • an offender who breaks into a house and indecently assaults someone in aggravated circumstances will face a minimum of five years, three months jail. 

The three strike rules would also be tightened to stop offenders being able to have all their offences bundled together as one strike.  

Mr Blayney said under the new laws, if an offender has committed three burglaries, on three days that is three strikes and they will go to jail.

Mr Blayney said the Liberal National Government was dedicated to making communities safer through tough laws and by providing police with the resources they needed to combat crime and anti-social behaviour.

Male Damages Police Vehicle

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At 8:00pm on Tuesday 17 February 2015 police were called to an address on Chapman Valley Road, Waggrakine.

Police attended the address and had cause to arrest a male. The male was escorted by police to the secure police vehicle at which point it will be alleged, he became violent and resistant.

It will be alleged, the male began yelling and punching his head as well as the side of the police vehicle. The male refused to stop his behaviour and escalated becoming increasingly violent, obstructing police in the course of their duty.

The male was eventually secured in the pod, where it will also be alleged, he continued his violent and aggressive behaviour, kicking against the pod door. He pulled on the perspex lining of the inner side right door until he managed to rip it in half, causing permanent damage and rendering the police vehicle unserviceable.

The 27 year old male from Waggrakine was conveyed to Geraldton Police Station and charged with obstruct public officer, criminal damage, 2 x breach of bail and 2 x breach violence restraining order. He will face Geraldton Magistrates Court this morning, 18 February 2015.

Refuse Breath Test

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At 11:35pm on Tuesday 17 February 2015 a female drove a Nissan Patrol on Utakarra Road, Rangeway.

It will be alleged, the female was stopped and it was ascertained that she had consumed alcohol, having supplied a positive sample of breath at the roadside for a preliminary breath test. As a result, she was conveyed to the Geraldton Police Station where she was required to undergo a breath analysis test.

It will also be alleged, the female failed to supply a sufficient sample of her breath for analysis. She was required on two more occasions to undergo a breath analysis test however failed to comply with this request.

The accused was arrested and charged with Fail to Provide Sample of Breath for Breath Analysis Test.

The female was issued a Disqualification Notice and advised that her driving licence was disqualified with immediate effect.

The 60 year old female from Rangeway will appear before Geraldton Magistrates Court on 12 March 2015.

Did you witness an assault at a party on Australia Day?

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Police Seeking Witnesses to Assault

At about 9.30 pm on Monday 26 January 2015 (Australia Day) a male victim went to a private party on Jose Street, Beachlands with four friends.

The male victim was asked by the occupant of the house to assist with closing down the party. The male victim asked a group of people to leave and a male offender threw a bottle hitting the victim in the left eye.

A second male offender struck the victim to the left side of his forehead. The assault resulted in the victim sustaining multiple fractures to his face as well as cuts, which required sutures and glue.

Police are seeking anyone who attended the party or anyone with information regarding this incident to please contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or Geraldton Police Station on 9923 4555. 

Man smashes 14 windows at old railway station building with hammer

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At about 8pm on Sunday 15 February 2015 a male and female, both heavily intoxicated, were present at the Old Railway Station.

It will be alleged, the male became aggravated and took a claw hammer from his bag and started to swing it around. He walked around the Old Railway Station building and smashed 14 windows with the hammer.

Police attended the scene and located the female. After inquiries were commenced, a patrol of the area, located the male hiding behind a business premises on Lester Avenue, Geraldton.

It will also be alleged, a search of his person & belongings revealed a hammer in his bag.

The male was arrested and charged with Criminal Damage. His bail was refused he appeared before the Geraldton Magistrates Court 16 February 2015. 

15 year old assaults shopkeeper with bottle; identified through social media - Police

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A 21 year old female shop keeper was hit in the face with a bottle of Jack Daniels on Saturday, after she approached a person in the store asking for ID. 

She was taken to the Geraldton Regional Hospital after suffering a chipped tooth, and injuries to the jaw and mouth area. 

Police say that on Saturday 14 Feb 2015 two males attended Liquorland in Northgate. 

One male entered the store while the other remained out the front. The male entering the store took two bottles of Jack Daniels from the shelf, and was then asked by the sales assistant for identification. 

olice say that the male then struck the victim in the face with the bottle and left in possession of the two stolen bottles. 

Police tweeted images from security footage and these were shared by Everything Geraldton and on social media. Police say a  15 year old male from Cape Burney (identified from pictures released to social media) is currently at Geraldton Police Station assisting police with inquiries. 

Large Cannabis Seizure in Glenfield

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Police have charged a 62 year old man after discovering a number of hydroponically grown cannabis plants at an address in Glenfield. 

Geraldton Detectives say the carried out a search warrant on Thursday, Feb 12 2015 at the Glenfield premises where they found seven mature hydroponically grown cannabis plants. 

They also discovered a substantial amount of dried cannabis and a variety of ammunition. 

A Sunset Beach resident was charged with the following offences:

Cultivate a prohibited plant with intent to sell / supply Possess a prohibited drug with intent to sell / supply; Possess a prohibited drug

The man was released to summons and will appear in the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a future date. 

Video: Vehicle's windows smashed at Wintersun Hotel

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We have been informed of multiple cars being broken into today at the carpark of the Wintersun Hotel. 

The incidents apparently occurred between 10am and 2pm today (Wednesday 11 Feb, 2015). 

One of the victims had only just bought her vehicle. 

The public is being asked if they know who may have been involved or can identify the person in the video to please contact Geraldton Police on 9923 4555. 

Can you help? Police want to speak to this person

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Geraldton Police would like to speak with this person. 

They are asking the public if they know the identity of this female, and are hoping she can help with a stealing complaint on Jan 28 2015 in the Geraldton CBD.  

Burglary (Dwelling) Statistics for Geraldton Suburbs 2009-2014

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Beachlands

Beresford

Bluff Point

Cape Burney

Deepdale

Drummond Cove

Geraldton (Suburb)

Glenfield

Karloo

Mahomets Flats

Meru

Moresby

Mount Tarcoola

Narngulu

Rangeway

Rudds Gully

Spalding

Strathalbyn

Sunset Beach

Tarcoola Beach

Utakarra

Waggrakine

Wandina 

Webberton

West End (Point Moore)

Wonthella

Woorree

Geraldton suburbs no longer worst in state in terms of insurance claims for break-ins

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The RAC has released information on claim rates for break ins in Western Australia. 

Gian De Poloni writing for the ABC quoting RAC home claims manager Glen Walker:

Rangeway was number one the last time the RAC released its data in 2009.

"We've seen Rangeway being one of the top suburbs in our previous review, but Rangeway has now made in roads and it's certainly not the worst regional suburb anymore; it's moved to number 17," Mr Walker said.

It's unclear whether crime in Rangeway has dropped, or it's just gotten worse elsewhere, but either way it's great news for the suburb and Geraldton in general. The RAC data shows when choosing where to live in regional WA, you could do a lot worse than Geraldton. 

In fact, no suburb from Geraldton rated in the 10 worst regional locations. 

Last time RAC released the info in 2009, the following Geraldton suburbs all made the worst 10: Rangeway, Tarcoola Beach, Utakarra, Waggrakine, Spalding.

This time, predominantly suburbs from the Bunbury and Kalgoorlie areas all rated the worst.

Click here for full article

Police Statistics

Data published by the WA police does not show the break-ins by suburb.

For the Midwest - Gascoyne region there has been a significant increase in break-ins in the last 5 years.

In FY 08/09 there were 728 reported break-ins to dwellings with 27.1% of these incidents "sanctioned" or solved, in FY 13/14 there were 1,047 with only 19.4% solved.

Despite over 300 extra home break-ins occurring compared to five years ago, only 6 extra cases were solved, or "sanctioned". 

In December 2014 alone, 142 break ins to dwellings occurred in the Midwest Gascoyne region, which is the highest ever recorded for a December (since records available 99/00).

 

Burglary Charges

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At approximately 10.10 am on Tuesday 3 February 2015 it will be alleged, a male attended a premises on King Street, Wonthella and entered the house by smashing a window at the rear of the property.

Once inside the house, it will also be alleged the male stole a quantity of items, including jewellery and a Samsung Tablet.

The 14 year old male from Beresford was located in a vehicle by police that afternoon allegedly in possession of the stolen property. He was arrested and charged with burglary, stealing and breach of protective bail. He will appear before the Geraldton Children’s Court this morning. (4 February 2015).

Armed Robbery

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At about 9:00am on Monday 2 February 2015 a male entered the United Fuel Station on 50 Rifle Range Road, Rangeway.

It will be alleged, the male stole chocolates to the value of $16 and left the store. An employee approached the male, requesting the items be returned.

It will also be alleged, the male refused to return the items, challenging the employee and threw a large rock at the employee, striking him in the hand causing a laceration. The male fled the area.

On Tuesday 4 February 2015, a 15 year old male from Wonthella was arrested and charged with Aggravated Armed Robbery. He will appear before Geraldton Children’s Court this morning. (4 February 2015)

Two incidents where women thieves are trapped while robbing people in Geraldton

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Geraldton Police have released information about two incidents both involving two female burglars and the owners of the homes trapping the thieves.

The incidents occurred within a day of each other, but Police have confirmed that while oddly similar, are both completely unrelated and are a coincidence.

The first incident occurred on Friday 30 Jan 2015.

Police say that some time between 5:30 and 5:50 pm two females went to a home on Woodman St in Utakarra where they parked in the carport. 

Police allege both females entered the house by forcing open the garage door. They then removed items from the house including an LCD 3D Toshiba television, a Sony handycam video camera, a television antenna and numerous Xbox games to the value of approximately $3000 and placed them into their vehicle.

The home owner returned home, and decided to block the vehicle the women were driving by parking behind them. 

When the women left the house one of them used a baseball bat to smash the windscreen of the victim’s vehicle in frustration at not being able to leave.

Police attended the scene and located the offenders in possession of the bat and a jewellery item belonging to the victim.

The females were subsequently arrested and conveyed to Geraldton Police Station where a search of one of the females located a small clip seal bag containing a small quantity of amphetamine.

The females were charged with the following;

A 40 year old female from Karloo was charged with aggravated burglary, stealing, criminal damage and possess a prohibited drug. She appeared before Geraldton Magistrates Court on Saturday 31 January 2015 and was bailed to re-appear on 5 February 2015.

A 31 year old female from Utakarra was charged with aggravated burglary and stealing. She will face Geraldton Magistrates Court on 12 February 2015. 

The second incident occurred on Saturday Jan 31, 2015. 

Two females attended a house on Brede Street in Geraldton and entered the home through a door at the rear of the premises. 

The victim returned home and upon hearing someone in the laundry, locked the door and called police.

Police arrived at the home and found the two offenders inside. One of the female offenders who was searched by police had a small quantity of cannabis and a smoking implement on her.

They were both arrested and conveyed to Geraldton Police Station where the following charges were preferred;

A 25 year old female from Woorree was charged with 2 x aggravated burglary, possess a prohibited drug, and possess drug paraphernalia.

She appeared before Geraldton Magistrates Court on 2 Feb 2015 and was remanded in custody to reappear on 9 February 2015.

A 35 year old female from Bluff Point was charged with 1 x aggravated burglary. She appeared before Geraldton Magistrates Court on 2 Feb 2105 and was remanded in custody to reappear on 13 February 2015.

Inquiries are continuing in relation to a burglary from the 15 January 2015 which occurred in Charles St, Bluff Point that Police say also involved one of the females. Her and her companions at the time fled the scene after being disturbed by the victim.