Police allege a juvenile group stole ceremonial dagger, hammer and nulla-nullas in Geraldton home burglary

Seven youths as young as nine have been arrested following an alleged burglary in Geraldton this week in which a ceremonial knife and traditional First Nations items were stolen.

The group of juveniles were arrested after a neighbour saw the accused jumping a fence.

Geraldton police say they received a call about noon on Wednesday, November 15 from a neighbour who saw a group of juveniles allegedly committing a burglary.

It will be alleged the caller was standing on her balcony outside her home on Jasmine Street when she saw the youths jumping the back fence from Brede Street into a property on Gertrude Street.

Geraldton police officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said the woman provided descriptions of the suspects to assist police.

Police will allege one of the youths dismantled an external CCTV camera at the unit and entered the property through a glass set of double doors.

It is alleged the youths rummaged through drawers inside before forcing open the roller door of a garage outside the unit.

Sen. Sgt Martin said the accused allegedly stole a ceremonial dagger, a hammer and two nulla-nullas — an Aboriginal hardwood club or hunting stick.

As police arrived, they apprehended seven juveniles at the scene. Sen. Sgt Martin said police continued a search for the stolen property inside a storeroom at the Brede Street address when officers found the ceremonial dagger and arrested a juvenile.

All alleged offenders are Geraldton youths aged between nine and 13 years old. All accused were charged with obstructing police, burglary with intent, burglary and commit, and stealing, except the nine-year-old, who was referred to the juvenile justice team.

One juvenile faced Geraldton Magistrates Court on Thursday.

“As much as I commend the fast actions of these police officers involved in this investigation, the whole incident raises concerns about the level of supervision around young juveniles, especially during this time frame when they should be in school or alternative education services,” Sen. Sgt Martin said.

“Again, I would encourage those parents or guardians struggling to supervise their children accordingly to reach out for support and assistance.

“With Christmas approaching, the last thing we want to see is an increase in juvenile offending during the festive period.”