School warns parents after a child is approached by persons in vehicle

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Have you had the "stranger danger" talk with your child recently?

Wandina Primary School has sent a letter home to parents today asking them and their children to be extra vigilant after a child was reportedly approached by a person/s travelling in a vehicle in the Mt Tarcoola / Wandina area. 

The incident has been reported to Police who are investigating. 

The school reminded parents and children to report anything suspicious to their parents, police and school and provided some other safety tips to help children stay safe.

  • Always travel in a group.
  • Walk on the right hand side of the road so they face oncoming traffic. 
  • Wherever possible, leave space between them and the roadway. 
  • Stay in areas that are well lit. 
  • Stay in view - avoid going into areas that are hidden from view (such as parkland bush or behind shopping centres) and plan trips to avoid such locations. 
  • Be alert - earphones and headphones can reduce awareness considerably. 
  • If they have a mobile phone, have it turned on and ready to dial an emergency number. 
  • If a passing car stops nearby, never get too close. 
  • Provide this advice to brothers and sisters, especially if younger. 
  • Report suspicious behaviour to parents, the school and Police, noting number plates of car and/or clothing or distinguishing features of individuals. 

Emergency: 000
Police: 13 14 44
Geraldton Police station: 9923 4555 (option 4)

18 bags of meth found in traffic stop

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A vehicle stop by Police last week resulted in nine grams of a crystal substance believed to be methylamphetamine being found. 

Police say they stopped a Ford Territory on the Northwest Coastal Hwy in Howatharra on Friday around 4pm 27/3/15.

A search of the vehicle revealed 18 clip seal bags containing approximately nine grams of a crystal substance, believed to be methylamphetamine. Drug paraphernalia was also located within the vehicle.

A 28 year old male from Ballajura was arrested with bail refused on the following charges;

No Authority to Drive
Possess Methamphetamine with Intent to Sell / Supply
Possess Drug Paraphernalia

Burglars are smashing glass doors to enter homes

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It seems the criminal element want to get in to our homes, and will break whatever they have to in order to do it. 

Police say that on 2pm on Wednesday March 25 2015 a burglary happened at a home in Fong Cove Mt Tarcoola. The offenders entered the rear yard and smashed a glass laundry door. 

Police allege they then entered the home and stole a number of items including two iPhones, an iPad, a watch, and numerous pieces of jewellery. 

A 16 year old male was arrested over the matter. 

A Utakarra resident reported via Geraldton Neighbourhood Watch on March 28 that their glass sliding door had been smashed. They were home at the time, and found the door smashed, unlocked and open. 

"Was literally in the kitchen picking up my handbag to go to a mates birthday and noticed it. It's a sliding door from our back yard into an enclosed patio but then there's still our back Doors to have to try get through. we've worked out it was in the space of literally 3-4 minutes of me jumping in the shower and hubby pulling up, we have a v8 so we presume they've heard it pull up and legged it. I was so baffled as to why i hadn't heard it or why my dogs didn't go ape but the police just came and took a look and explained that I most probably wouldn't have heard it because it looks like they've elbowed it so it would have just been a thud and it's that type of glass that "crumbles" I guess you say, most of it's still in tact and the bits that fell on the ground wouldn't have made much of a sound and wouldn't have cut them or hurt them in anyway. They didn't actually get to step foot in the door it seems they've broken it put their hand in unlocked it and just started to open the door when disturbed."

Drug Charges

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At about 11.55am on Wednesday 25 March 2015, Geraldton Detectives were investigating an offence of possess prohibited drug with intent to sell/supply. Detectives attended an address on Woodman Street, Utakarra and arrested a male occupant.

The residence was searched and it will be alleged, police located a clip seal bag containing approximately 0.1gram of Methylamphetamine, one ecstasy tablet a clip seal bag containing a strip of suboxone and two unopened strips of suboxone. Suboxone is a prescribed drug and a glass smoking utensil and a plastic smoking utensil within the lounge room.

The 27 year old male from Utakarra was charged with the following;
1 x attempt to possess prohibited drug with intent to sell/supply 1 x possess prohibited drug
1 x Possess drug paraphernalia
2 x possess prohibited drug

3 year sentence for manslaughter

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A 17 year old youth will be eligible for parole after 18 months after receiving a 3 year sentence for manslaughter for the killing of a 51 year old man with a paver last year in Wonthella. 

Ian Cutler from the Geraldton Guardian reports on the story. Click here to read. 

Theft caught on camera... again

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This Geraldton shop is brazenly robbed yet again and it's caught on camera... again. The owners of Kathy's Snacks are becoming understandably frustrated. They shared this video with Everything Geraldton and said "Becoming a joke!" Following the robbery of Kathy's snacks a couple of weeks ago where a person was caught on camera taking things and walking out of the store, again the same store has caught on camera a person who helps themselves to items from the store and calmly walks out without paying, in full view of staff. The owners of the store are asking if you can identify the person in the footage to please come forward. You can contact Geraldton Police on 9923 4555.

Posted by Everything Geraldton on Monday, March 30, 2015

This Geraldton shop is brazenly robbed yet again and it's caught on camera... again. 

The owners of Kathy's Snacks are becoming understandably frustrated. They shared this video with Everything Geraldton and said "Becoming a joke!" 

Following the robbery of Kathy's snacks a couple of weeks ago where a person was caught on camera taking things and walking out of the store, again the same store has caught on camera a person who helps themselves to items from the store and calmly walks out without paying, in full view of staff. 

The owners of the store are asking if you can identify the person in the footage to please come forward. You can contact Geraldton Police on 9923 4555. 

Click here to view video if you cannot see it above. 

Stolen motorbike ridden to Perth

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Police say information provided by the public has resulted in the arrest of a 22 year old man from Rangeway over the theft of a motorcycle earlier in the month. 

Some time between Saturday 8 March 2015 and Sunday 9 March 2015 Police said that a white Agusta motorcycle was stolen from a home in Geraldton. 

The vehicle was then ridden to Perth by the 22 year old and another person, Police allege. 

Police are still conducting enquiries in relation to the location of the motorcycle but the 22 year old man has been charged with stealing a motor vehicle and will appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date. 

Stolen Vehicle

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The following vehicle was reported stolen earlier today:

"STOLEN THIS MORNING from Mark Street Tarcoola
aprox 10.00 am.
If you have seen or noticed this vehicle please
contact Geraldton Police Station ASAP."

An Everything Geraldton reader commented: "Saw this ute hooking thru Strathalbyn rd this morning about half 10. Headed towards Spalding way."

Police: 9923 4555

Beware fake holiday scratchie card scams

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WA ScamNet has again identified a travel brochure scam which contain fake scratchie cards, this time trading as Thumbs Up Travel. WA ScamNet has named a variety of these scams in the past.

Over 100 of these letters have been intercepted at Australia Post over the last few days, however it is believed that a large number of these fake brochures have made their way into the community.

Consumers who receive these brochures and call the number on the card will be asked to pay a release fee to receive the indicated $165,000 USD 2nd prize. The prize does not exist, and the scammers may just walk away with the money they collect from bogus fees. Often these types of scams continue and the scammers attempt to contact the consumer again and again to ask for payment for other fictitious fees and taxes.

We advise all consumers to disregard the brochure. If you have suffered a financial loss from this or any other scam we urge you to contact the Department of Commerce.

Video: Please call Police if you recognise this person

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The owners of a local store have published this video in the hope that someone might be able to identify the person filmed. 

If you recognise the person in the footage please contact Geraldton Police on 08 9923 4555. 

High Speed Chase ends in Rangeway

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A high speed chase through the suburbs of Geraldton has ended in Rangeway.  

A number Geraldton residents have contacted Everything Geraldton saying they witnessed the chase. 

Everything Geraldton readers sent these images in a moment ago.

The day my teacher hit me

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1988. The year of our bicentenary. The year Home and Away launched. The year the 50m penalty was introduced in the VFL.

I was seven years old and attending a small christian school in Joondalup. My family had recently moved from Victoria, and I was in the second grade in a classroom that included year ones, twos and threes. 

This particular day was like any other. I was sitting towards the rear of the class where the twos and threes sat, or perhaps I was sitting with the smart kids. 

The teacher gave an instruction for everyone to be quiet. 

Everyone was quiet. A little time passed, and I spoke to a peer sitting next to me about something I deemed important. 

The teacher heard me. She asked me to stand up and come out of the class with her. She was completely calm. No anger or frustration at all. 

She explained that I had spoken after she had given clear instructions to everyone to be quiet, and now I was going to be getting the cane. 

There was a consequence for my decision.

I was in complete shock. My mother had smacked me plenty of times. But never for the first time you disobeyed her. She only did it when she was a ball of frustrated rage at her whits end, so you could try and gauge how much you could push her. 

But this teacher was not angry at me. She instructed me to bend over and pull my pants down. I was hit once or twice with a stick of some description. Then it was over. 

I fought back the tears as I returned to the class. 

And I never got the cane again. Nor was I disrespectful towards my teachers for the rest of my school life (more or less).

Now, I'm not advocating for smacking children. I don't smack my own, and I have heard too many stories where children were beaten mercilessly by teachers who clearly needed to be locked away themselves. So I certainly don't commend hitting as an intrinsically good way of training children. 

However, what became very clear to me from this teacher's actions were two things:

1. I knew where I stood. 

2. She meant what she said. 

It was very clear what the consequences were for certain courses of action. There was no ambiguity. The punishment dished out was not dependant on the teacher's mood that day, or her blood sugar level, or whether I had had a good track record up until that point.

Action = Consequence. 

So in choosing how I was to behave in the future I had a clear understanding of what the consequences would be for any action I might take. 

I believed what she said. I listened carefully when she spoke because I knew she meant what she said. From then on, she had my respect. 

Being Consistent

Since becoming a Father, I have learned to maintain a level of predictability and consistency with my children. 

When it's time for them to hop off the computer, for example, I used to have to tell them many times. They would ignore or refuse the first request. They would argue or flat out disobey. I would repeat the instruction. Then I would repeat it again. Then I would threaten. Then I would threaten in a more stern voice. Then I would argue some more. Then I would have to physically drag them away... you get the picture. 

After a while I realised that by not being clear with the consequences the first time I said something I was actually TRAINING my kids to not believe me, and to just do what they felt like. So one day I said (something along the lines of), "Turn the Macs off or you won't be allowed on them for the entire weekend." They didn't respond, so the punishment was inflicted. I didn't raise my voice, despite their protesting. And I didn't argue. I just pointed out that they had been told what the consequence would be, and they were old enough to understand (4 and 6). It was unpleasant for them. They informed my that they hated me and I was the worst Dad in the world. And I took no pleasure in punishing them. But we all made it through alive. 

The next time I said turn off the Macs, they paused for a moment, remembered that I meant what I said, and turned them off. Now, (most of the time) I just have to give an instruction once and they comply. 

I don't have to get angry, they aren't confused as to whether I mean what I say or not. Everyone is happier.

They're not mindless drones, by any measure. They negotiate, ask for more time, and try and explain why Minecraft is good for them. But they listen to my instructions. 

They believe I mean what I say, and I have their respect. 

So what's this got to do with anything?

As I sat in court a few weeks ago listening to a bunch of different cases come before the magistrate, I was blown away with how much like a frustrated parent he was. People who had been breaking VROs, people who had been stealing, people who had been drink driving and wanted their E plates...

He would constantly berate each person who came before him, before giving them absolutely no consequence for their crime other than a threat that if they did it again they could maybe expect something more serious. 

I was flabergasted.

So they basically did the wrong thing. They KNEW they did the wrong thing. This WASN'T THE FIRST TIME they had done the wrong thing. Yet STILL they were granted their E plates, spared a prison sentence, or just generally let off virtually scott free. 

I despaired for our community at large. 

I felt sorry for the Police that had worked so damn hard to catch these people committing crimes in the first place. 

I reflected on my own parenting, and how by being inconsistent and having no clear consequence for behaviour, it was MY fault my kids continued disobeying. 

In the latest "E Watch" newsletter sent out by Geraldton Police, Senior Sergeant Martin Haime reflected on the increase in burglaries around Geraldton, and said regarding the culprits: "many of our charged offenders are repeat customers who seem to have little respect for the police, the community and the justice system."

He did not blame the justice system, but in my opinion it's quite clear why these folk don't respect the justice system... The justice system is like a parent who makes idle threats and raises their voice.

Those parents never get any respect. 

Murder charges: Reputable Geraldton businessman Mark Pendlebury charged with murder in Phuket

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Pic: Kritsada Mueanhawong

Former Geraldton resident and well regarded business person Mark Hamilton Pendlebury has been charged with murder in Phuket following an altercation outside a nightclub early Wednesday Morning 11/3/15. 

According to Phuketwan Mark Pendlebury was on his way home from a Rotary club meeting. He was with champion Danish surfer, Frederik Aakerlund, 48. 

From local tourism news site Phuketwan:

"Mr Aakerlund, who lost both legs in a military action in 2007, now does his best to inspire disabled children and competes against able-bodied surfers. Two months ago in Patong, he was attacked by thugs in daylight. He has just left hospital."

Mr Pendlebury had planned a boat trip for the handicapped Danish man following his brutal attacked to assist in the man's recovery. 

Regarding the incident, Mr Pendlebury is quoted as saying:

''An Indian and an Australian had been fighting inside and were being thrown out,'' Mr Pendlebury, 59, said from his cell at Kathu Police Station, where officers oversee Patong, the popular nightlife hub on Phuket's west coast. "I pulled out my camera to record what was happening and a security guard tried to stop me doing that. Before I knew it, I was being badly beaten up. I pulled out my knife and waved it back and forth to defend myself. A couple of Indians jumped in and with their help I was able to escape a little distance down the street. If the Indian tourists hadn't rescued me, I reckon I would be dead.'' 

Mr Pendlebury and the security guard were both taken to hospital. A short time later the security guard was pronounced dead. 

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, local business people on the Island are in shock. 

The Phuket Gazette has quoted Col Sutthichai from the local police force as saying: “He confessed to us that he was the one who stabbed Mr Sanya.”

Everything Geraldton spoke with a former employee of Mr Pendlebury. "He had a great reputation in the community," she said. Noting his work as Director of the Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre Association, the former employee mentioned he was well known for all the work he did in Geraldton with many different community organisations. "He had pretty much retired, bought a boat, and became Captain Mark," referring to Mr Pendlebury's work in Phuket running a sailing tour business.

Mr Pendlebury's business Phuket Sail Tours rates very high on Trip advisor (click here) with reviews claiming Mark is quite a character, focused on safety, and having a good time. 

Mr Pendlebury is a former board member of the Mid West Development Commission, and was involved with Rotary. He has also served as President of the Rotary Club of Phuket in Thailand. 

Mark Pendlebury is the father of Sea Shepherd member and environmental activist Glen Pendlebury, who in 2012 boarded a Japanese ship and had to be retrieved by the customs ship Ocean Protector.

Kritsada Mueanhawong from the Phuket Gazette said Mr Pendlebury was being held at Patong Police Station for 48 hours before being brought to the court. 

News.com.au reports that Australian consular officials from the embassy in Bangkok are providing assistance to Mark Pendlebury.

Video footage

Security footage of the incident has emerged, which, despite being quite grainy, appears to support Mr Pendlebury's version of events. 

According to PhuketWan (link)

The video shows:

  • Among others passing by, Mr Pendlebury appears on the opposite side of Rat-U-Tit 200 Pi Road, pausing and looking on as a melee develops outside Taipan.
  • Mr Pendlebury appears to lift a camera or mobile telephone and begin filming or taking photos from the far side of the road.
  • The Australian waits for several tuk-tuks to pass then crosses the road to go closer to the swirling mass of people that appears to be growing outside Taipan.
  • A figure emerges from the melee and seems to confront Mr Pendlebury, who is several steps away from the action.
  • Still on the road surface, Mr Pendlebury backs away and retreats along the line of waiting tuk-tuks, followed by about six figures. 
  • At least one vehicle is double-parked in the road the whole time, with emergency lights flashing. 

Allegations that Mr Pendlebury was drunk at the time of the incident have been rejected by people who were with him earlier in the night at a Patong Rotary meeting according to PhuketWan. 

Phuketwan is calling for those who witnessed the incident and may have footage or images to come forward, and stating that lawyers aim to apply for bail today for Mr Pendlebury. 

Regarding a serious assault that occurred Friday evening

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Serious Assault

Police say they are investigating a serious assault which is alleged to have occurred between 7:00pm 8:00pm on Friday 6 March 2015.

An altercation occurred at a party being held on Chapman Road, according to information provided by Geraldton Police.

As a result of the altercation a 19 year old female was approached by two males at the intersection of Chapman Road and Hosken Street, Bluff Point, where a further altercation is alleged to have taken place.

Police further alleged that the female was struck over the head a number of times with a pole or similar style weapon, resulting in serious head & neck injuries.

Several witnesses have been identified, however at this stage have not provided police with any information.

The incident in question has been discussed widely on social media, and police issued the following statement regarding the matter:

"Police wish to remind the community that prejudicial and assumptive commentary on social media may potentially hinder the success of the police investigation."

Police are seeking anyone with information to please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Geraldton Police Local Policing Team on 9923 4555. 

Police respond quickly to these kids on school roof

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Kris sent this in a moment ago after seeing some youths on the roof of Wandina Primary School: 

​"See how long it takes for the cops to turn up and catch these ... on the roof of Wandina school. Rang them ten minutes ago"

Geraldton Police responded quickly:  

"12 minutes and the police have them."

Burglar fractures both wrists while trying to rob home

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A 16 year old male from Yalgoo has fractured both his wrists while attempting to rob a home in Geraldton, Police say. 

The incident occurred on Thursday 26/2/15 at a home in Elizabeth Street. 

Around 4:20 am of that morning, the young male spotted a handbag through the window sitting on the kitchen table. Police say he climbed up to a window 3 metres above the ground, and forced a partially open window to enter the home. 

While he was inside, he was disturbed by the owner's dog. 

The would be thief fled from the dog leaping out the window he had just entered.

The youth put his hands out to brace his fall and sustained fractures to both wrists.

On Tuesday 3 March 2015, the male was arrested and charged with burglary. 

Bluff Point Primary targeted again

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Following a break in last week that resulted in class rooms and offices being trashed, Bluff Point Primary School is reporting they have been targeted yet again.  

The news is especially disappointing for one staff member who has had a laptop taken.  

(Good time to remember to ensure your computers and phones are backed always backed up.) 

After the previous break in last weekend volunteers offered their time to get the classrooms back in order. 

If anyone has any information please contact Geraldton Police on 99234555.  

Robbery at 440; Community assistance requested

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Geraldton Police are asking for public assistance after an incident today at the 440.

Police say that an undisclosed sum of cash was stolen from an employee at the 440 Roadhouse in Drummond Cove, just north of Geraldton, this morning. 

Statement from Geraldton Police:

"The male person pictured may be able to assist police regarding the theft of an undisclosed sum of cash from an employee at the 440 roadhouse earlier this morning.  Although the images are relatively poor in quality, we hope a member of the Geraldton community may be able to recognise the general physical description or the distinctive clothing."

Anyone with information is requested to contact the Geraldton Police Station on 99234555.