Geraldton police host They’ll Never Know campaign to encourage looking out for and reporting organised crime

Organised crime, its effects and how to be vigilant to avoid being unknowingly caught up in facilitating an illegal trade will be the focus of a community forum organised by Geraldton police. Members of the public are invited to attend the information session addressing organised crime in Geraldton, which will provided valuable information about what to look out for and the importance of anonymous reporting to police. The They’ll Never Know community session will provide the community with a better understanding of what effects organised crime and the illicit drug trade can have, examples of organised crime in the community, what to look out for and how to report concerns anonymously. Police will also discuss the value of receiving information from the public. Some examples of organised crime, according to Geraldton police, include an expensive purchase from a dealership paid exclusively in cash, or a legitimate business owner that has been infiltrated by an organised crime group through financial investment, who then use this legitimate business to launder money, conceal illicit activities and commit frauds including tax evasion. Geraldton police Mid West-Gascoyne community engagement co-ordinator acting Sergeant Robert Grace said the They’ll Never Know campaign would educate the community on how to keep an eye out for those unknowingly or inadvertently facilitating organised crime. “Organised crime and illicit drug trade can have serious effects on our community. A lot of the violence experienced within the community, including domestic violence incidents can be directly linked to illicit drug trade. Families and lives can be destroyed as a result,” he said. “People from all walks of life may hold valuable information that law enforcement agencies can use to tackle and disrupt organised crime. “This may include people who are involved or inadvertently connected to organised crime and illicit drug trade.” The session will be held on Tuesday, September 19 at 9.30am at the QEII Community Centre on Durlacher St. Geraldton police encourage people to report suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppers.com.au.