Suspects in Wonthella IGA supermarket roof break-in confronted by staff before stealing cigarettes and cash

Geraldton detectives are investigating after three people broke into Wonthella Supa IGA via the roof in the early hours of Wednesday before they were confronted by a staff member. The Fifth Street shopping complex was blocked off to the public for most of Wednesday morning as forensic police examined the scene, looking for clues. Police said three suspects broke in to the supermarket via the roof about 4.30am and stole cash and cigarettes before fleeing on foot. Forensic officers were seen on the roof of the store taking samples and assessing the scene for evidence. Geraldton detectives officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Bruce McDonald said the suspects broke in through the roof, but when they dropped down into supermarket an employee who was already present confronted them. “It’s an ongoing investigation and we’re working on a few leads,” he said. “There is CCTV which we will release later but we currently have lines of enquiry that detectives are following up.” Det. Sen. Sgt McDonald said it could take between two and six weeks before the results from the forensic analysis were received. He said the suspects could be attempting to sell the cigarettes on the street. “If anyone receives information about selling cigarettes around town or bragging about large amounts of cash, we’re urging them to contact police,” he said. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online.