Geraldton police investigate vandalism to vacant Bogle Way units following delays to power installation

Newly refurbished public housing units in Spalding have been damaged while waiting to be occupied as Western Power experienced resource challenges delaying power installation at the site. Geraldton police said on May 11, bricks were thrown at a unit on Bogle Way, damaging walls and eaves to four of the units under renovation. Acting OIC Sen. Sgt Andrew Ramsden said police allege unknown suspects entered the Bogle Way site and smashed a concrete slab on the road and used the broken concrete to smashed the eaves to three units’ roofs. The suspects allegedly made a hole and climbed through, gaining entry to two of the units. Sen. Sgt Ramsden said they also kicked down the fence panels at the rear of the units and destroyed the clotheslines in the rear yards. “The construction company have estimated that over $10,000 in damage has been caused to the units,” he said. A public housing complex on Bogle Way is waiting for Western Power to complete works before the units can be filled with tenants, something that could take more than four months to complete because of delays and resource challenges. In May, Mayor Shane Van Styn the significant work completed by contractors at Bogle Way was being ruined because the units were vacant. “As a result of non-habitation of the sites, damage is recurring,” he said. Police are calling for any witnesses who may have CCTV or dash cam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.