Geraldton shoplifting: Police called after masked man tries stealing carton from Wonthella Cellarbrations

Geraldton police continue to proactively engage with retailers to curb petty theft, but crime continues following a recent incident in which a masked man tried to steal a carton from a bottle shop in Wonthella. Increasing communication with store managers and enforcing banning notices on repeat offenders are some of the latest tools used by local police in a bid to stop shoplifting, but despite their efforts theft continues. On Thursday, July 20, about 8.55pm, police say two men entered Wonthella Cellarbrations minutes before the store was due to close. One man picked out a carton of Jack Daniels cans valued at $160 while the other left the store. Geraldton police officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said the man wore a baseball cap with a hooded jumper over the top, a black sleeveless jacket, a face mask and gloves, and was described as 5 foot 10 inches tall (178cm) and wiry. The man was asked to remove his mask several times by store staff before attempting to leave the store with the unpaid carton. Sen. Sgt Martin said the store manager stood between the suspect and the door and attempted to retrieve the carton, causing the suspect to fall to the ground during the push and pull. The fight to retrieve the carton continued until the co-accused returned to the store and pulled the suspect away. The suspect left empty-handed and the store manager locked the door and called police. Rigters Supermarkets general manager Kyme Rigter said he was happy with efforts from local police who were assisting retailers in a proactive and transparent manner. But he said it was disappointing that theft and antisocial behaviour was “occurring regularly”. “This isn’t just limited to our stores by any means and as I see incidents being shared, reported, and posted each day across Geraldton,” he said. “Along with business owners and managers, staff are definitely sick of seeing and dealing with these incidents — especially repeat offenders. “With a good majority of retailers now information-sharing and reporting the majority of incidents, police informed us that they are continuing to see positive results.”