Geraldton crime spree charges: Police say 17yo involved in burglaries, tractor ram-raid and stealing cars

Police say a 17-year-old boy and others used tractors to ram-raid a business in Geraldton’s industrial area to access other vehicles to steal — causing up to $300,000 damage — before the teenager was found asleep at the wheel in a stolen car. Two separate burglaries were committed on the same business in Webberton a week apart, with Geraldton Police Station officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Chris Martin believing up to four people were involved. During one of the break-ins — on August 25 — the group of offenders used three tractors belonging to an agricultural spraying business on Flores Road to ram a roller door and buildings on the premises next door. The culprits drove away in a stolen car, which was found a few days later. Sen. Sgt Martin said a week later, on September 1, the same business was targeted again, and another vehicle was stolen. He said in the early hours of the next morning police officers came across the stolen vehicle pulled over in Strathalbyn and found a 17-year-old boy asleep in the driver’s seat. Sen. Sgt Martin said the estimated damage across the two burglaries was between $200,000 and $300,000. He said police were continuing their inquiries in a bid to find all the offenders and bring them to justice. Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said no businesses targeted in the incidents had CCTV cameras. He encouraged business owners and residents to seriously consider installing security cameras to help protect their property and premises. “They are fairly inexpensive for the benefit it presents,” he said. “I would also encourage anyone to report suspicious activity in this area, particularly late at night ... it’s been identified as a problem area.” The 17-year-old arrested by police has been charged with a string of offences, including three counts of burglary, one count of burglary with intent, five counts of stealing a motor vehicle, and one count each of attempting to steal a motor vehicle, reckless driving, and having no driver’s licence. He appeared in court on Friday and was granted bail to reappear in Geraldton Children’s Court tomorrow.