Geraldton Detectives charge children over “brutal” and “cowardly” robberies in CBD

Detectives have charged eight children over two “brutal” and “cowardly” robberies in Geraldton, with others too young to formally charge.

Police will allege a gang of nine children aged 9-16 attacked four 13-year-old girls outside Queens Park Theatre on Saturday afternoon, stealing their purses and cash.

The incident was captured on CCTV, with Geraldton Detectives officer-in-charge Det. Sen Sgt Bruce McDonald describing the attack as “disturbing” and “cowardly”.

“The fact that these young kids are walking around town unsupervised committing these types of offences is very concerning to us,” he said.

Five children were charged over the incident, with the youngest born in 2011. Det. Sen Sgt McDonald said those who were too young to charge were referred to support programs.

“We take them home and talk to them in the presence of their parents to try and educate them,” he said.

Two days later, police were called when three children allegedly stole items from a Marine Terrace shop and threw bottles at the staff member who requested they return the property.

Police charged two Sunset Beach teen girls and one Mt Tarcoola teen boy with aggravated robbery and two counts of stealing over the incident, with one to appear in Geraldton Children’s Court on Thursday.

Det. Sen Sgt McDonald said police were working hard to prevent and reduce the incidence of juvenile crime in Geraldton.

“We work very hard with partner agencies like the Department of Child Protection and the families to try to keep them busy,” he said.

He asked anyone who had mobile phone footage or information about the two incidents to contact Geraldton Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.