New campaign: Geraldton police to crack down on rock-throwing with undercover, aerial patrols in new hotspot

Drones, undercover patrols and calling for stricter penalties for offenders are all part of a rock-throwing “action plan” launched by Geraldton police this week, as the city’s top cop declares “enough is enough”. Police are ramping up efforts to stop rock-throwing in Geraldton suburbs and main roads, after reports of damaged vehicles — including one incident which injured a six-year-old girl last month — continue to rise. A rock-throwing prevention action plan was launched on Wednesday, consisting of heightened foot and vehicle patrols, drone surveillance, education and public awareness programs, mental health support and stricter penalties. Geraldton police officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said police have seized more than 150 homemade gings in the past year and rock-throwing has “plagued the community” for too long. “I think I speak on behalf of the wider community and certainly my colleagues at the police station to say enough is enough,” he said. “We are talking about people’s lives here, potentially causing road accidents, potentially seriously injuring people.” Increased patrols will include plain-clothed officers and vehicle patrols in the area, while drones will watch from the sky so high they can’t be seen. Sen. Sgt Martin said patrols would be enforced particularly during peak times. Police will also work with residents to increase security cameras and lighting at high-risk locations to identify suspects, as well as encourage homeowners to repair damaged fencing, preventing culprits from making quick escapes. Sen. Sgt Martin said police prosecutors would be entering court with strict penalties at the forefront, and authorities would ensure all background information on an accused was brought to the magistrate’s attention for sentencing. Resources would also be made available for those struggling with mental health issues, which Sen. Sgt Martin said can play a part in a person’s decision to ging rocks. The action plan will continue the work with schools and community groups to educate youths on the dangers and consequences of rock-throwing and encourage people to report suspicious behaviour through neighbourhood watch programs. Two community forums have already been held this year in a bid to tackle the issue, with police, youth, Indigenous groups and support agencies involved. Sen. Sgt Martin said police were zoning in on a particular area in Karloo after “a number of incidents” involving car damage were reported in recent weeks. Sen. Sgt Martin said Abraham Street was a rock-throwing “hotspot”, with most reports in recent weeks occurring near, or on, that street. It runs from Horwood Road in Utakarra through to Mt Tarcoola, crossing over Geraldton-Mt Magnet Rd — another known location for rock-throwing. On Friday, November 3, a large rock cracked the front screen of a white Kia Sportage driving along Abraham Street. Police believe those responsible are also involved in an incident on Friday, October 20, where a rock was launched into Blair Lavender’s car, causing the glass to shatter over his six-year-old daughter, leaving her cut and bloodied. “We’re pretty confident it’s the same group of juveniles committing these offences,” Sen. Sgt Martin said. “This comes in tandem with parental responsibilities, we can only do so much to curb offending. Parents need to step up to ensure their behaviour is kept under control.” ROCK-THROWING HISTORY 2016: An aircraft pilot complained her car window was shattered by a rock thrown from Abraham Street. 2017: A rock was thrown at a vehicle on Durlacher Street, shattering a window and showering a 12-year-old passenger with glass. 2018: A 15-year-old faced court for animal cruelty when he allegedly killed a bird by throwing a rock. 2019: Two victims came forward after a school-aged child propelled rocks at cars on Rifle Range Road in Rangeway. Resident Jeff Kulen-Smith said removing bushes from the side of the road could help stop the problem, while Tarnya Peters called for better efforts from truancy officers to ensure children were in school. 2020: The Geraldton Guardian revealed six incidents were reported to police in one day on November 15, including rocks and golf balls being thrown at a group with special needs in Wonthella. 2021: In July, Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said police had arrested 15 juveniles over the past 12 months for rock-throwing. 2022: A road train driver was pelted with rocks while he was travelling near the intersection of North West Coastal Highway and Geraldton-Mt Magnet Rd. The district’s top cop, Supt Steve Post, had a firsthand experience with rock throwing last year when an object was thrown at his work Subaru. 2023: Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation worked with police and other agencies, holding forums to address the issue around the same time it was revealed there were 22 reports of rock-throwing in the month of June. Former public housing resident Christine Hammond was doing yard work at the front of her Karloo property when a group of youths tormented her, with one launching a brick at her head and nearly fracturing her skull. In August, a wheelchair accessible taxi driver come forward after his window was smashed with rocks for the fourth time this year. A Meekatharra man was also blinded permanently in one eye after a 36-year-old allegedly used a slingshot to fire a metal ball into his eye socket. Last month, Blair Lavender’s six-year-old daughter was injured by a rock when it smashed the passenger window while travelling on Abraham Street. This month, a large rock cracked the front screen of a white Kia Sportage, also driving along Abraham Street. ACTION PLAN