Crackdown puts the brakes on Geraldton crime
POLICE WRAP is written by Geraldton police station OIC Sen. Sgt Jason Scragg.
We’ve had great results recently as Operation Heatshield2 kicked off in our city, targeting high-harm offenders and leading to a number of arrests.
The operation was launched on Monday, February 22, after the unfortunate spike in burglaries we have seen over the last two months across much of the city.
Heatshield2 has given extra funding to target this unwelcome rise in crime and concentrate a lot of our effort into reducing this offending.
Past experience with previous operations has proved the faster police are able to respond to a particular incident the fewer subsequent offences may occur.
This may seem like common sense, but with extra officers assisting with investigations, we are able to build on the successes of last year which saw our crime rate in Geraldton reduce.
In Heatshield we’re actively targeting offenders we consider high harm to the community.
People who have outstanding arrests warrants, are wanted for questioning for active investigations identified through CCTV or have breached their bail will all be a target for our officers to arrest.
It’s our bread and butter and we’re stepping up our workload and resolve.
In my last column, I wrote about the spate of recent burglaries and I’m pleased to say we’ve seen a direct result of our investigative efforts.
A 19-year-old Utakarra man has been arrested and charged over three home burglaries in Woorree and the stealing of a buggy and quad bike. We have also charged two 20-year-old males from Karloo and Wandina for burglary and stealing offences.
The officers in Geraldton are committed to keeping this city a safe and pleasant place for all to enjoy.
Those in the community who are causing the harm need to be mindful that we have stepped up, and are completely focused on bringing crime to a stop.
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