Geraldton police crack down on retail theft with new strategy, extra patrols after figures show increase

A spike in shoplifting has prompted police to think of new tactics, including a possible thief notification scheme for retailers and random patrols at shopping centres. WA Police figures show there were 327 shoplifting offences reported in the Mid West-Gascoyne police district between January and September 2022, compared to 234 the year before — an increase of almost 40 per cent. Geraldton police acting officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Nathan Johansen said police were focused on a shoplifting crackdown and were holding preliminary talks on how to tackle it. One strategy is an early notification scheme between retailers to alert each other of potential thieves. Sen. Sgt Johansen said the scheme was operating in Kalgoorlie and was said to be “a real benefit” to retailers. “That’s still in its infancy stage; police will need to meet with shopkeepers to get everyone on side,” he said. “The most important part is for employees to be aware the offending is occurring.” Sen. Sgt Johansen said police were holding random, high visibility patrols at shopping centres to deter thieves. “It’s when people see the police vehicles and the high visibility patrols, that really is deterring the crime. You’re preventing it rather than reacting,” he said. “It’s to get them thinking you never know when police are going to roll up and put some doubt in their minds.” Sen. Sgt Johansen said police were always seeking information from witnesses of any suspicious activity by “would-be offenders”. “I ask the public not to become despondent; when you put a call into police they may be in the area and around the corner,” he said. “A lot of the shopkeepers will know these regular offenders. Earlier advice to us would be great rather than when it happens.” In May last year Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said police dealt with people who would “shoplift on four or five occasions on the same day from different premises”. In June, a 15-year-old boy was charged with shoplifting after police said he entered Coles and attempted to leave with unpaid items. Sen. Sgt Martin said the boy was challenged by a security guard and a physical altercation broke out. In July, Protect Security Geraldton admitted they’d dealt with prolific shoplifting and antisocial behaviour after a couple assaulted guards who were attempting to issue them a permanent ban after allegedly shoplifting. Police also reported disorderly behaviour from a woman in her 30s who attempted to steal from a store in August. It was also alleged she threw a full can of drink at security. Chemist Warehouse managing partner Mahmoud Elshwekh spoke up in September, saying there was $20,000 of stock unaccounted for in the previous six months.