Geraldton police lay charges following alleged burglaries at Refuel Australia, Auto One and Beresford home

Geraldton police have made arrests following three alleged burglaries, some involving children as young as 12, as they remind the community to secure their property and keep doors locked. Police allege on Friday, July 14 about 8pm, two boys, aged 11 and 12, broke into Refuel Australia by smashing open the glass front door. Geraldton officers searched the building shortly after and allegedly found the accountant’s office light switched on and the filing cabinets searched through. Police allege a set of car keys placed on a desk and a bicycle were stolen from the scene, which were later recovered. On Sunday, July 17, police allege the same two boys aged 11 and 12 smashed the glass panel of Auto One on North West Coastal Highway and entered the building about 8.40pm. Sen. Sgt Martin alleged the boys stole drinks, confectionery and gas torch lighters from the front counter valued at $130, triggering the security alarm and fleeing the scene before security arrived. Some of the property was allegedly dropped by the accused. Both boys were arrested and charged with two counts of burglary and commit and stealing and will appear in the Geraldton Children’s Court on August 15. In a separate incident, police allege on Saturday, July 15, about 5.30pm a 20-year-old Geraldton man smashed the window of a vehicle and damaged the side gate of a home on Cairncross Street, Beresford. It is alleged the accused entered the backyard through an unlocked side gate and into the home through an unlocked sliding door, disturbing the occupant in his room. Geraldton police officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said the accused bolted from the scene and down the street, dropping a sunglasses case he’d attempted to grab from the vehicle. Nothing was reported stolen from the property. A 20-year-old was arrested and charged with burglary and commit, criminal damage and stealing and will appear in court on August 15. “These instances are a timely reminder to ensure members of the public keep there properties as secure as possible. Lock windows, garage doors and side access gates. We collectively needs to make is as tough for crooks as possible,” Sen. Sgt Martin said.