Geraldton shows support for heightened retail security as petition signatures soar to 4100 in two weeks

A petition demanding enhanced security measures to protect retailers in Geraldton has skyrocketed to more than 4100 signatures in just two weeks. The petition, which attracted more than 600 signatures in its first week, has sparked a significant community response and soared to 4151 signatures since its June 13 launch. It calls for a full-time police presence in the Geraldton city centre and major shopping centre areas, and advocates for a minimum of two security guards on shift at events and at larger or more isolated stores. Additionally, it questions whether the Department of Justice has adequate staffing to handle rising youth crime. Permanent CBD bans on repeat offenders and restrictions on school-aged children entering stores during school hours are among the proposed measures. Retailer and petition organiser Aleishia Yarran said the retail community was frustrated with the theft, abuse and antisocial behaviour occurring week in, week out. As she listed more recent incidents, Ms Yarran said it once took hours for police to respond to a report of rocks being thrown at a retailer. “We just need to feel supported and something needs to be done,” she said. “I don’t think we get paid enough for this.” In response, a WA Police spokesperson said while Geraldton police worked closely with local businesses to deter and respond to crime, he acknowledged there were a multitude of issues driving theft. “While police can act from a law enforcement perspective, some of the root causes are more complex to solve, such as those stealing offences being driven by economic factors, and they require a broader community response,” he said. “A range of tactics are used, including highly visible patrols and plain-clothes patrols. Such patrols are conducted at times known to be when crimes are most likely to be committed, as well as at random times, ensuring the police response remains agile and effective.” The petition lists Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton, Geraldton-based Agricultural Region MLC Sandra Carr, Premier Roger Cook and relevant ministers as decision makers. Ms Dalton said she has personally met with retailers who have raised their concerns, and the State Government were taking retail theft and abuse seriously. “Violent offenders who attack staff simply doing their job will be subject to a maximum seven years behind bars or up to a decade if the person is armed with a weapon or multiple people are involved in the assault,” she said. She said the State Government recently passed new laws cracking down on retail theft and staff assaults. “The changes, which come into effect in July, see the ‘fine only’ penalty removed for serial thieves, replaced with the significantly increased penalty of up to two years imprisonment and $24,000 in fines.” To view the petition, visit change.org.