Alleged juvenile burglary, L’Italiano, Soul Food Cafe and Geraldton Fruit and Vegetable Supply money theft

Frustrated locals have taken to social media concerned about a “massive increase” in youth crime and antisocial behaviour as police reveal three local food outlets were targeted by alleged juvenile burglars over the space of three days this week.

Geraldton police say Geraldton Fruit and Vegetable Supply on Gregory Street and L’Italiano restaurant on Marine Terrace were broken into on Sunday night, while Soul Food Cafe on Chapman Road was burgled on Tuesday.

A post on Geraldton Noticeboard claimed most of the trouble was coming from children who should be in school, which triggered a swarm of comments.

“Unfortunately no one wants to take responsibility, not even their parents,” one person commented, while another added: “Maybe they’re in need of a good mentor/role model.”

According to WA Police crime statistics, reported burglaries in the Mid West and Gascoyne district have more than doubled in the past two years. There were 47 burglaries reported in September 2020 — during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — 100 in September 2021 and 105 in September 2022.

In September 2020, there were 69 reported stealing offences in the district, 131 in September 2021 and 172 in September 2022.

Police will allege on Sunday a suspect — or two — broke into Geraldton Fruit and Vegetable Supply about 8.12pm.

Geraldton police officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Chris Martin said the accused levered open a roller door at the rear of the building and allegedly found a “small amount of money on the floor”.

Later the same night, Sen. Sgt Martin said the front door to popular Italian restaurant L’Italiano was forced open by two suspects between 10.30pm and 10.55pm.

“The suspects have entered the restaurant and stolen a locked safe off the bar table containing approximately $250 cash,” he said.

Sen. Sgt Martin said the accused were captured on CCTV camera at the Geraldton Port after leaving the restaurant.

“The suspects have been captured on CCTV in the port car park, throwing the safe on the ground and taking items from within it before taking off in an unknown direction,” he said.

Police arrested a 16-year-old Geraldton boy on Tuesday, who they allege was responsible for both incidents, about 8.30pm.

The boy was charged with burglary with intent, burglary and commit and stealing.

He will appear in Geraldton Children’s Court on November 29.

Sen. Sgt Chris Martin alleged three juvenile boys committed a burglary at Soul Food Cafe on Tuesday about 4.30pm.

He said the three boys allegedly used an electric scooter to ram the entry door of the railway station cafe.

“Once inside they have forced open the till and stolen over $200 in cash and decamped the scene,” he said.

Sen. Sgt Martin said police recovered about $389.00 of the alleged stolen cash.

Police arrested a 13-year-old boy later that night at 7.55pm for the alleged offence. He was charged with burglary and stealing and will appear in court at a later date.