Geraldton police operation sees some of the town’s most wanted arrested on serious charges

A team of detectives from Perth have helped round up some of Geraldton’s most wanted alleged criminals — some of them aged just 13 — as part of a five-day blitz operation which led to dozens of arrests. The West Australian can reveal that the newly named Rapid Apprehension Squad (RAS) was drafted in to help local Geraldton police raid nearly 80 properties earlier this month across the Mid-West Gascoyne district. The blitz style operation — which ran from February 6 to 10 — led to 25 people being arrested and charged with a total of 40 offences including stealing, aggravated burglary, assault, breach of bail and stealing motor vehicles. Among the most crucial arrests to be made was that of a 21-year-old man who was charged over an alleged sexual assault that occurred on November 13. Four young boys aged just 13 were also charged with numerous offences ranging from stealing to aggravated burglary. In total, 79 properties were searched over the five days. Mid-West Gascoyne District Superintendent Steve Post said some of those arrested had been doing their utmost to avoid being caught. “Throughout the week we saw several significant arrests of offenders who have been doing everything in their power to avoid police,” he said. “This is just one example of the lengths WA Police will go to, to ensure our regions are a safe place to live and work.” Officer-in-charge of the rapid apprehension squad Detective Senior Sergeant Curtis Roe confirmed the operation had targeted some of Geraldton’s “most wanted crooks.” “The team works around the clock to respond rapidly and assist to resolve complex investigations, no matter where we are deployed,” he said. “Once a target is identified and sufficient evidence exists to apprehend them, we do not stop until they are behind bars, wherever they may be.” The Geraldton operation is the latest blitz style operation to be carried out in regional WA with the assistance of Perth-based detectives. Earlier this month, the gang crime squad were dispatched to the Goldfields where they carried out numerous raids targeting the Mongrel Mob gang and the Mongols bikie gang. Seven search warrants were executed over five days during that operation, which saw nine people — six men and three women — charged with 33 firearm, drug and property-related offences as methylamphetamine, cannabis, firearms and ammunition were seized.