Increase in retail theft and home burglaries in Geraldton prompts police to issue warning to offenders

Police have issued a stern warning to those resorting to theft and shoplifting, vowing all offenders will be caught and issued a minimum $500 fine after a recent surge. Geraldton police officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said an increase had been seen across retail theft and home burglaries in recent days. There had been three break-ins across six days in Geraldton, including a burglary lasting four days on a house in Spalding while the occupant was away. Thieves took a TV, saw and nail gun estimated to have a combined value of $1000. Police have identified a suspect but are yet to make any arrests. Con’s Liquor in Utakarra had $550 worth of alcohol stolen during a break-in in the early hours of Saturday morning. The thief who stole whiskey and pre-mixed drinks from the store is a known offender to the police. Sen. Sgt Martin said there was one suspect who was yet to be apprehended but expected they would be in custody by the end of the week. A break-in at Rovers Football Club in Utakarra saw a metal bracket bent in order for the perpetrators to enter the building, but nothing was stolen from the clubhouse.