‘It can’t happen again’: Geraldton police crack down on misuse of laser pointers after pilot targeted

Laser pens and pointers are all fun and games until a driver loses control of a vehicle after being temporarily blinded.

Just think how much worse the consequences could be if the same thing happened 30,000ft in the air?

Frighteningly, someone appears to have shone the light from a laser pointer into the eyes of a pilot flying from Perth to Denham at the weekend.

Geraldton police have narrowed the target area down to somewhere in Mahomets Flats, but we really need the community’s help to track down the offender.

Shining lasers into the air might be something done for a bit of a laugh but it is actually really dangerous and stupid. We can’t have something like this happening again.

Police are also asking for locals in the Mt Tarcoola and Beachlands area to help us pin down those responsible for a spate of break-ins over the weekend.

We are particularly looking for any information or CCTV footage of a male wearing dark clothing and socks (no shoes) who was spotted in the area.

We have arrested a number of people in regard to this offending, but we are yet to lay any charges and the investigation is still ongoing.

I know it can be concerning when crime happens so close to home, but rest assured we have plenty of officers patrolling these suburbs to keep you safe.

If you are worried or have seen something that looks a little suspicious, please call the local station or CrimeStoppers any time of the day or night.

You can also get in touch if have information or security camera footage which could help police in our investigations.

Sen. Sgt. Chris Martin is the officer-in-charge at Geraldton Police Station