Suspected Arson – Durlacher Street

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At about 6:00am on Sunday 20 November 2016, police officers were called to attend smoke emitting from the rear of the Podiatry Clinic, 165 Durlacher Street, Geraldton.

On investigation, a fire was located outside in the rear of the premises and it appears that a bin was set ablaze which has spread to a nearby vehicle and the building itself. DFES attended the scene and extinguished the fire.

The fire appears to be suspicious and WA Police and DFES are currently investigating.

Police are appealing to any witnesses who may have observed the fire or any suspicious activity around that location leading up to the fire to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Serious Crash (Car vs Scooter) – Rangeway

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At about 11:00pm on Saturday 19 November 2016, police were called to attend a serious traffic crash on the North West Coastal Highway in Rangeway. It appears a scooter has hit the side of a van, causing the scooter to lose control and crash.

On arrival, police assisted paramedics with the 34 year old rider of the scooter who suffering life-threatening injuries. The rider was airlifted by RFDS to Perth in a critical condition for emergency surgery.

Other road users have reported to police that the scooter was being ridden erratically before the incident. Police are investigating if alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Mid West Gascoyne Traffic Enforcement Group and the Major Crash Investigation Section are investigating the incident.

Police are appealing to any witnesses who may have observed the altercation and are urged to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. 

 

Update: Police have issued a correction to the age of the person.  

Grievous Bodily Harm – Geraldton Hotel

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At about 7.00pm on Saturday 19 November 2016 a fight broke out inside the Geraldton Hotel with one male reported to have been knocked unconscious.

Police attended the scene and took a man into custody. He is currently assisting with our inquiries.

The victim reportedly suffered serious injuries, including a bleed to the brain, and is currently admitted within the Geraldton Regional Hospital for treatment.

Police are appealing to any witnesses who may have observed the altercation and are urged to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Police Locate Methylamphetamine on Driver in CBD

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On Tuesday 25 October 2016, Geraldton Police stopped a vehicle for random breath test in Geraldton near the CBD.

Just after 3.30pm police required the drive to supply a sample of his breath. During the stop, police had cause to search the 22 year old male from Utakarra. During the search several bags of prohibited drugs (methylamphetamine) were located.

Police will allege the male had approximately 13.73 grams of the drug in his possession with the intent to sell or supply.

He was charged with 1 x Possession of Drugs with intent to sell/supply and will appear at Geraldton Magistrates Court. 

Police want to talk to this person regarding numerous fraud incidents

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Gero Police via Twitter:

"Hoping to speak with this person - he maybe able to assist with info regarding numerous frauds - call us"

You can reach the Geraldton Police on 9923 4555

 

Update: also these

 "Know their names? they are likely to able to assist with information regarding Fraud offences. call us pls"

 

The story behind those undersized crays

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 Undersized Crayfish Seized by Police

At around 2.50am on Wednesday 26 October 2016, Geraldton Police had cause to stop a vehicle and speak to the occupants.

During the stop police observed Crayfish Antennae protruding from a bag. The bag contained a number of undersized Crayfish. A further search of the vehicle was conducted where a second bag was found also containing Crayfish.

The investigation has been handed over to the Department of Fisheries.

 

City Health Geraldton vandalised - Do you recognise these people?

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"Last week City Health Geraldton was vandalised, on Monday 10/10 @5.30 in the afternoon. And then early TUES 11/10 @5am a staff members bike was stolen."
Do you recognise the offenders in this footage? 
Please contact police (9923 4555) if you have any information or call the practice on 99214433.

Stolen Property Located

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In the afternoon of Friday 14 October 2016 local shopkeepers had reported items being stolen from their store that day.

Police located a 42 year old Spalding Woman who matched the description given by public and had cause to search her. During the search police located 24 items of property secreted on her person.

Police allege the woman stole from three separate shops. Most of the items where jewellery and clothing.

Whilst at Geraldton Police Station the woman requested medical assistance and was conveyed to Geraldton Regional Hospital by police where she was left with medical staff. A short time later police returned to the hospital for a report of a disturbance.

Police located the same female exiting the hospital with a large bag filled with various items. She was spoken to by police and it was ascertained she did not have permission to take the items from the hospital.

The 42 year old began loudly insulting police whilst inside the hospital. She was arrested and conveyed back to Geraldton Police Station where she was further charged with disorderly conduct.

She will appear at Geraldton Magistates Court at a later date after being charged with 4 x Stealing and 1 x disorderly conduct. 

Traffic Crash John Willcock Link

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At approximately 3.20pm on Friday 14 October 2016, Geraldton Police responded to a report of a traffic crash which occurred on John Willcock Link near the intersection of Fitzgerald Street.

A road train was carting a load of iron ore to the Geraldton Port and driving along John Willcock Link. At the same time a four year old girl was riding her bicycle and attempted to cross from the northern side of John Willcock Link to the southern side.

Another vehicle was travelling in front of the road train and entered into the right turn lane when the driver observed the four year old crossing the road. The driver of the vehicle came to a stop just prior to the pedestrian crossing point to allow the four year old to cross in front of him. After the driver of the truck noticed the vehicle stopping in an unusual position he immediately reduced his speed however the girl crossed in front and collided with the front corner of the bull bar.

The four year old was taken by ambulance to Geraldton Regional Hospital where she is being treated for injuries sustained to her leg and is in a stable condition.

If you have any information about this incident make a report online at crimestopperswa.com.au or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, where all calls are strictly confidential, and rewards are offered. 

Town Towers' building site has been robbed 8 times already... $500 reward for your help

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For the last eight weeks, SMF Projects have been underway doing the renovations works to the Town Towers. 

In that time, they are reporting that they have been broken into eight times. The offenders have caused damage to the property, and are adding cost and time to the building process. 

SMF Projects are offering a "$500 reward for information that will lead to an arrest."

If you can identify any of the individuals in the images below, please contact Geraldton Police on 9923 4555. 

Our recent video on the announcement of Town Towers renovations being underway. 

Dobbing in shoplifters - A letter sent to Everything Geraldton

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To dob, or not to dob.....

Today, I witnessed an incident of blatant shoplifting.

One of several incidents I’ve either witnessed personally, or been aware of in my vicinity in the last month or two. One of many I’ve witnessed over many years.

I have pretty strong feelings about theft in general and, having spent many years working in the retail sector, about shoplifting in particular, and today I found myself re-visiting something that happened to me not long ago.

A while back, I found myself in a group situation where I felt not only that I was being negatively judged for having said that I would (in fact, have), reported someone who I witnessed shoplifting to store staff, but actually felt belittled and judged for having done so. The initial response by the people I was with was “why would you do that?”, followed by “perhaps they were genuinely in need”. (For the record, the incident I had mentioned involved the theft of CD’s from a charity shop).

There was also a sense of disbelief that people actually do report such incidences. I left feeling like a piece of shit for having had the guts to admit to reporting/preventing crime, and I felt that people were disbelieving about my claims that this type of reporting is actually not uncommon.

I spent a pretty sleepless night wondering whether I am over-judgemental, self-righteous etc. And then I decided to ask other people how they felt.

Turns out, a lot of people I know feel the same way I do.

Most people said they either would report, or have reported, shoplifting.

Several people said that they hadn’t, but only because they were too scared to do so because of fear of reprisals.

100% of those who worked in retail said that not only do people report these incidents, but that it happens regularly. Like daily. Like multiple times in a day.

I’m still a little confused. Am I (and my friends) a more judgemental group than society in general? Am I less sympathetic/empathetic towards others in need?

Actually, I don’t think I am.

I’m the first generation of my family to raise their children in a financial situation that is considered “above the poverty line”. My family knew what it is to live in a world before social security. And even when social security became available, my parents chose to work long hours, for very little money, rather than “bludge”.

You see in my family, and many others, if you couldn’t afford it, you went without.

So do I still feel shamed for dobbing in a shoplifter?

No, I don’t.

I don’t in any way wish to belittle those who find themselves in need, or without financial support. I would like to think that I would show compassion towards someone who I felt might be in genuine need. I’d like to think that if I saw a mother with kids in tow, stealing baked beans and noodles to feed the family, I’d offer to help. If I saw the same person stealing luxury items that I as a working, tax-paying parent can’t afford, I’d probably be less sympathetic.

I’m actually pretty comfortable with the idea of reporting someone stealing. Especially when we’re talking about CD’s, makeup, jewellery, fashion items etc. Or all the random items that are stolen just for fun, then discarded in the street. Or the stuff that’s stolen and then used to commit acts of vandalism.

An article that appeared on the ABC website today quoted: “National Retail Association chief executive Dominique Lamb said theft cost the Australian retail industry $4.5 billion each year, or about 2.2 per cent of annual retail turnover”

That’s $4,500,000,000.00 per year.

Just in Australia.

Shoplifting costs every one of us. Including the many people who are in dire financial situations, but choose to live in honest poverty, rather than stoop to theft and dishonesty to improve their lot.

Isn’t it about time we started judging those who think it’s OK to steal, and who defend those who do steal, rather than belittling and judging those who take a stand against theft?

- Geraldton local

Call for Witnesses of a Serious Assault at Wonthella IGA Carpark

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Geraldton Police are calling for witnesses to come forward following a serious assault at about 7:00pm on Sunday 9th October 2016 at Wonthella IGA car park, corner of Fifth Street and Central Avenue, Wonthella.

It is alleged that a female was assaulted by another female causing serious injuries, before bystanders stepped in to help the alleged victim of the incident.

The alleged female suspect is believed to have fled the scene in a vehicle.

Police would like to talk to those witnesses who intervened or otherwise observed anything that may assist in the investigation.

Witnesses are asked to call Geraldton Police on 9923 4555 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 with any information.

 

Lots of rock throwing reports today

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The most recent was about 10 minutes ago: 

 "... male throwing rocks at cars on Abraham street just past back of Cemetery 😡"

A few hours ago:

"Heads up guys. Bunch of teenagers throwing Large rocks at cars/trucks on gtn/mt magnet road, near limestone wall.

They hit the car infront of me, just missed my car. I also had my 8 yr old brother with me! 😑

2nd time in 2 weeks I've witnessed this!

Those kids will be bloody sorry when it actually kills someone! Or a child!

Such a shame it will have to come to that before they realise and before anything will be done about it! 😠" 

Earlier today rocks thrown at SES vehicle: 

 "Ok people if you are turning off the Northwest Coastal Highway into Utakarra Rd be careful there is little brats throwing Rocks again,we were in our STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE VEHICLE and had rocks thrown at us"

This was from a week or so ago: 

"I've waited a few days before I wrote this otherwise it would be full of abuse and anger, but on Saturday as I was driving on the highway near Utakarra my car was hit by 3 rocks that were thrown out of the bushes.

Now I can go on about the cost of repairs but the fact is if one of the rocks hit 10cm higher it would have smashed through the window into my babies head and THIS is what I can't put a price on.

I'm hoping that maybe these people might read this and realise the real danger and the potential cost in this game they play."

Please stop abusing staff who ask you for ID

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Everything Geraldton received a letter this week from a concerned parent. It essentially stated that a local deli has been selling cigarettes to minors, including their own daughter. The author allegedly sent her daughter in to buy cigarettes to test the deli out, and they them to her. It's been reported to the authorities, who hopefully are investigating. 

But the letter reminded me of my own experience working at a servo in Geraldton several years ago. I had the unenviable task of guessing people's age who wanted to purchase tobacco products. 

Almost every time someone who looked quite young was asked by myself for their ID, they would get abusive. I have no idea why, but it was almost always women. The guys seemed quite chill about it.  

On several occasions, the abusive female would reluctantly show her ID, flabbergasted that anyone could think she was potentially 17, only to show she was barely 18. I would point out how close to 18 she was, nevertheless she would remain offended that I didn't think she looked 25.  

One time the woman was 18 by 2 days. 2 DAYS! And STILL she was abusive towards me for daring to ask for her ID.  

Fortunately, I had a wonderful boss at the time, who basically said if anyone treats you that way, don't serve them at all. It gave me no end of pleasure to kick them out of the store empty handed. I just wasn't paid enough to deal with their crap. 

Another time a young woman who couldn't present her ID and left angry hurling insults at me came back with a man claiming to be her husband. He in turn started abusing me for not selling his wife cigarettes, presented his own ID, and demanded cigarettes. Of course, I kicked them both out. 

But I realised then what a difficult job selling tobacco products is. I'll be honest, many people I see selling cigarettes are young, and may not have the strength of character to want to square up with abusive teenagers and young adults all day long, who act incensed that you don't think they look like a retiree.

If ya'll could chill out and just take it as a compliment that you look young or something, that would be great.  

Regarding the "clowns" in Geraldton

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Everything Geraldton has received a number of questions from community members somewhat concerned as to whether or not the media hyped "clowns" are in Geraldton. Is there a group of people in Geraldton wandering around trying to scare the daylights out of people dressed as clowns? 

First, I agree clowns are quite creepy. Whoever thought they were an appropriate way to entertain children was on some decent acid.  

But, Geraldton folk predominantly aren't like our metro counterparts. We go fishing, camping... and hunting. 

Can you imagine what a Hilux full of Gero lads would do if they spotted someone lurking around in a clown costume trying to scare people? They certainly wouldn't run away scared. Let me tell you, I'd be more concerned for the wellbeing of the clown. They're more likely to hog tie them and leave them at the cop shop than run away scared (that's if the clown is lucky). 

In my opinion, there's very little chance anyone would be willing to risk their life at the moment by going outside in anything resembling a clown costume. Heck, if Maccas had Ronald McDonald visit for the day I'd suggest he get body guards. 

Some numbskull thought it would be funny to start a Geraldton clown page, and from this a few people have actually become concerned for their safety.  

But if the people who started the page had any idea about how the law actually works, they'd realise their anonymity is far from assured.

If you make a threat to break the law, or do something to cause people to fear for their well being, the Police are within their rights to get a court order for Facebook and your ISP to hand over identifying information. And Facebook are only all too willing to comply.  

Some people are treating this like a joke, some think it's a marketing stunt for the new Stephen King "IT" movie coming soon, some think it's serious and they need to hide their kids. 

But seriously, if you think you're being funny walking around in a scary clown costume now, you clearly have a death wish.   

 

There are two types of people. Guess which one Gero people are.  

Update. Geraldton Police say they've received reports of people driving around dressed as clowns intimidating other drivers. 

Thanks Dongara Police - "They were waiting on the highway for him"

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"A community thank you to the Dongara Police. We are driving to Perth and some maniac was aggressively tailgating us at 110km speed within a metre or two of our bumper (and then proceeded to tailgate those in front of us). We were about 30km north of Dongara so I called ahead and notified the police about the car. They were waiting on the highway for him and had pulled him over as we passed. Fantastic response time!"

Holiday prize scam from Sparking Sword Vacation and White Hunter Vacation

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Tasmania Police have issued a scam alert to warn members of the community of the latest scratchie scam where vacations and cash prizes can supposedly be won.

The scam is delivered by post with the recipients address on the envelope. Inside is a brochure and scratchie tickets from a company called Sparking Sword Vacation and White Hunter Vacation. 

A 72 year old man was recently caught in the scam and paid $2120 in two payments. 

Scam Alert - Car accident claims

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Shared with us by a member of the community:

Just had a scam phone call from an Indian sounding man stating someone at my number had a car accident in December last year and it was my fault. He was trying to get information from me. He said he was given my number by the WA Transport. He wouldn't say what company he was from. I asked for his phone number so my husband could call him back. He told me to get stuffed and hung up. I have reported it to Scam Watch and to WA Transport. 

⚠️ URGENT: Explosives stolen in Geraldton overnight

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The Geraldton Police have issued a warning to the community regarding explosives that were stolen last night. 

They posted moments ago on Twitter that the explosives are dangerous, and should not be handled if they are located. 

If you have any information regarding the explosives, please call Geraldton Police urgently on 08 9923 4555.