Meekatharra: Nurse used deodorant to protect herself against alleged intruders who ambushed her and colleague

A local nurse in the Mid West outback was reportedly held a deodorant can for protection during a terrifying home invasion this week. Police say a man and two teenagers broke into a home on Haveluck Close in Meekatharra just after midnight on Tuesday. The WA Country Health Service confirmed a “violent break-in” had occurred at staff accommodation in Meekatharra. Meekatharra Shire president Harvey Nichols is demanding urgent action, saying enough is enough amid fears vital workers will choose to leave town if this sort of offending continued. Mr Nichols said this was the last thing the town needed at a time when health services were already strained in regional and rural WA. Cr Nichols told the Geraldton Guardian there was speculation the shocking incident involved attempted assault and threats of sexual assault against the two nurses inside the home. “Two local criminals broke into the hospital complex, climbed in, drank some beers and waited until (they thought) she was alone,” he said. According to police, the offenders allegedly made “threats of robbery” but they had no evidence of any attempted or threatened assault against the alleged victims. Cr Nichols understood two nurses barricaded themselves in a room as the armed intruders “smash(ed) their way into the home”. “The nurse defended herself by getting a lighter and hairspray,” he said. A WACHS spokesperson said there was no makeshift flamethrower, but the nurse held a deodorant can for protection, but did not use it. Cr Nichols said crime was becoming an issue for the town, and the community had become weary. “It’s a terrible incident in Meekatharra and it’s upset the small town,” he said. “If Meekatharra doesn’t stand up soon, everyone is going to leave. “We don’t want this sort of thing to happen ... we’re all sick of it.” Police allege the offenders stole a Toyota Corolla from the address. The vehicle was later found by Meekatharra police on Railway Street. Police arrested a 20-year-old man, while two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, were assisting them with inquiries. WA Country Health Service Mid West regional director Rachele Ferrari said aggressive behaviour towards staff would not be tolerated. “Our front-line healthcare staff perform a vital role in providing care in regional Western Australia. They are ingrained in local communities, living among the people that they provide care for, and we expect they will be treated with respect when they’re at work and in their accommodation,” she said. Ms Ferrari said security lighting and CCTV was in use and WACHS would continue to work with WA Police to address safety in Meekatharra. A 20-year-old Meekatharra man has been charged with stealing a motor vehicle and is due to appear in Meekatharra Magistrates Court on October 26. A 16-year-old boy has been charged with aggravated armed robbery, aggravated home burglary and commit, criminal damage, destruction of property and steal motor vehicle. He was also charged with two counts of attempted aggravated burglary for separate alleged offences. He was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Geraldton Children’s Court on October 4 after bail was refused.