Geraldton Police investigate two burglaries at Domino’s and Aldi supermarket involving juvenile offenders

Juvenile burglars targeted Geraldton’s Aldi supermarket and a pizza store in recent days, smashing their way into the businesses and stealing cash, a blender, and energy and soft drinks.

Police have reaffirmed their heightened retail patrols are continuing amid a spike in shoplifting and burglaries.

Geraldton Police officer in charge Sen. Sgt Chris Martin alleged three children aged between 10 and 13 “smashed their way through” a glass entrance to the Aldi store on North West Coastal Highway about 10pm on Monday and ran throughout the store, stealing a portable blender and six pack of V energy drink.

“Police attended immediately and disturbed the offenders who ran off towards the Rangeway area,” he said.

Sen. Sgt Martin said the three juveniles were issued with a juvenile caution and taken home to their parents.

Police are also investigating a burglary at Domino’s Pizza in Mahomets on Sunday. In that case, Sen. Sgt Martin alleged the suspects smashed the glass doors to enter the property and stole a cash register with a “small quantity of money” as well as soft drinks.

Sen. Sgt Martin said one 17-year-old boy was arrested and was refused bail charged with burglary and stealing while inquiries continue.

Meanwhile, police say a woman was caught by police attempting to leave Woolworths at Stirlings Central with a shopping trolley full of groceries last Thursday.

Sen. Sgt Martin said a woman attempted to “blatantly steal a shopping trolley full of groceries directly in front of police”. The woman was “challenged” by police, chose to pay for the items and was issued with a $500 fine.

“Police are continuing their retailer engagement patrols throughout Geraldton every afternoon between 3pm and 9pm, conducting high visibility patrols in the CBD and main shopping centres,” he said.

“These patrols are steadily reducing reports of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.”

Geraldton police have recently launched the Shop Watch scheme, allowing businesses to communicate with each other about shoplifters.