Geraldton police investigating after stolen trailer containing mobility assistance equipment was torched

Geraldton police are investigating a shocking case of arson, after a trailer full of $60,000 worth of equipment — used to help people with disabilities access the beach — was stolen and torched this week. Police say a silver Mitsubishi Pajero and a large trailer containing mobility assistance equipment and with an Ultimate Watersports logo on the side were stolen on Wednesday between 4am and 7am from the Francis Street car park near the Batavia Motor Inne. The trailer was dumped and torched close to the speedway on Geraldton-Mount Magnet Road. The car was not set on fire and was found elsewhere. Sen. Sgt Stuart Gerreyn, acting officer-in-charge at Geraldton Police Station, said the trailer contained mobility assistance equipment, wheelchairs for access on to the beach and disability assisted swimming and recreational equipment. “Not only does it affect the businesses involved, it affects the people having to use the equipment,” he said. The vehicle was driven to Waggrakine where it was later dumped around Coffee Pot Lane, where a small fire was lit nearby. Sen. Sgt Gerreyn said the car had been recovered and towed to the holding yard for forensic analysis. “If any people in and around Coffee Pot Drive with CCTV can review footage from early Wednesday morning that would be appreciated,” he said. Owner of Ultimate Watersports Lindsay Cannon said the business lost upwards of $60,000 worth of equipment — which was almost everything. “Most of it isn’t insured, it was expensive and took a while to source. We are absolutely devastated,” he said. Mr Cannon said the loss meant he would have to severely cut employee hours. “It couldn’t have come at a worse time with school holidays coming up. I’m appealing to the community to get behind us and support us however they can so we can survive,” he said. Anyone who saw the trailer or noticed anything suspicious is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.