String of burglaries in Geraldton involves stolen car in Perth, mowing business and Rangeway Primary School

Geraldton police had a busy 24 hours tracking down suspects around the city on Wednesday, from burglaries with stolen vehicles to attempted break-ins at a primary school and mowing business. Police say a vehicle was stolen in Perth, driven to Geraldton and used to commit a burglary and stealing offence at a petrol station. Police allege a white 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander was stolen from Bayswater on October 31. Officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Chris Martin said about 3am on Wednesday, the stolen vehicle drove to Ampol Sunset Beach, where a 37-year-old man from Perth allegedly smashed a window, entered the store and attempted to remove a safe to no avail. “They then damaged a couple of cigarette cabinets, stole cigarettes and took confectionary as well,” he said. The Geraldton Guardian understands the suspect stole one packet of popcorn-flavoured Maltesers and Mars bars. Sen. Sgt Martin said police allegedly located the accused man inside the stolen vehicle about 5pm on Wednesday. “Upon viewing the police vehicles, the accused attempted to leave the scene, however, was eventually stopped in the carpark area of the Sun City Christian Centre in Karloo,” he said. The 37-year-old was arrested and charged with two counts of burglary, stealing, stealing a motor vehicle and reckless conduct endangering life. Sen. Sgt Martin said the accused man attempted to reverse, forcing a police officer to exit the vehicle and reach for the keys to turn off the ignition. He faced Geraldton Magistrates Court on Thursday. Geraldton police continue to hunt for a suspect responsible for two attempted break-ins. Police say the would-be burglar was disturbed both times and they believe it was the same person responsible because of similar descriptions and CCTV footage. Sen. Sgt Martin said about 12.30am on Tuesday, a male was sighted by witnesses trying to kick in the main door to Midwest Mowers and Can-Am in Wonthella. He said he was scared off by witnesses prior to gaining entry. Then, at 1.30am, police believe the same suspect allegedly forced open a security screen door at Rangeway Primary before smashing a glass panel to the main administration door to gain entry. Sen. Sgt Martin said the alarm system was activated once the suspect gained entry. “It appears the suspect has left the school before stealing any property,” he said.