Top cop to talk to ‘key’ people as crimes surge in Mullewa

A dramatic increase in the crime rate in a small Mid West town has forced the region’s top cop to take action.

Mid West Gascoyne Supt Roger Beer will visit the farming town of Mullewa on Wednesday to talk with community leaders after a series of crimes attributed to a gang of local youth.

“Ordinarily, Mullewa would have 15 reported offences in a month,” Supt Beer said.

“In the last six weeks there has been 59 offences.”

Supt Beer, pictured, said a group of five boys aged 14-16 were allegedly responsible for most of the crime, including burglary, stealing, criminal damage and car theft.

In one of the most serious crimes, the teens allegedly stole and burned the car of a local GP last week.

All five boys have been arrested and charged, according to Supt Beer.

“I’m sure there are a few ringleaders taking charge of what’s going on,” he said

“What’s really disappointing is that a small town like Mullewa to have such prolific offending over a short period — it has an impact on the community.

“I’m aware the town doctor has been a victim of crime on a number of occasions — which is a concern because we don’t want to lose a doctor in a town like that.”

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Despite her BMW being torched, Mullewa GP Dr Nalini Rao told the ABC she wasn’t considering leaving the area.

“I do not know what the solution is,” she said.

“It is really sad because Mullewa is not like that. It is a lovely place.

“It is home, and we love it.”

Expecting crime rates to calm while some of the teenagers remain in custody, Supt Beer said he would speak to “key Mullewa people” on Wednesday to map a way forward for when the kids were released.