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Geraldton police arrest 16-year-old boy allegedly responsible for property damage during four burglaries

Jessica MoroneyGeraldton Guardian
OIC Sen. Sgt Chris Martin.
Camera IconOIC Sen. Sgt Chris Martin. Credit: Jessica Moroney/RegionalHUB

Police have arrested and charged a juvenile allegedly responsible for a string of four burglaries in Geraldton, including the break-in at the Geraldton Aquarena.

Geraldton police will allege a 16-year-old boy was responsible, smashing into the Aquarena, attempting to kick down a door of a mowing business, breaking into a primary school and using a crowbar to smash glass windows at a removalist company.

Officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Chris Martin said police were able to connect the dots due to similar descriptions reported by witnesses and CCTV footage.

About 2.45am on Saturday, 15 October, Sen. Sgt Martin alleged the 16-year-old boy forced his way into Grace Removals in Webberton through an external fence of the yard, damaging the panel.

“He has then (allegedly) proceeded to use a crowbar to smash the glass panels on the front door and his foot to kick in the bottom glass panel,” he said.

About 5.30am the same day, two or more juveniles smashed their way into the Aquarena on Pass Street in Wonthella, damaging a glass door and window, but did not steal anything.

Sen. Sgt Martin alleged the 16-year-old accused smashed the glass panels to the entrance into the building and smashed the back doors into the store area.

Sen. Sgt Martin told the Geraldton Guardian it was disappointing alleged young offenders were committing crimes so early in the morning when they should be at home. He said the break-in was likely a case of “juvenile boredom”.

Sen. Sgt Martin said about 12.30am on Tuesday, November 1, a witness allegedly caught the accused attempting to kick in the main door to Midwest Mowers and Can-Am in Wonthella.

“He was scared off by witnesses prior to gaining entry,” he said.

Later that morning at 1.30am, police believe the 16-year-old allegedly forced open a security screen door at Rangeway Primary School before smashing a glass panel to the main administration door to gain entry, setting off the alarm system.

“It appears the suspect has left the school before stealing any property,” Sen. Sgt Martin said.

The 16-year-old from Geraldton remained in custody at the Geraldton Police Station until he faced Geraldton Magistrates Court on Friday. He was charged with four counts of burglary with intent.

His bail was refused and will be remanded in custody until he reappears on Tuesday, November 15.

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