Two juveniles in alleged spitting incident against security guard at Geraldton Chemist Warehouse

Geraldton police will be using facial recognition technology in their investigation into two juveniles who allegedly spat in a security guard’s face after being removed from a local chemist this week.

Police say on Monday about 6pm a security guard at Chemist Warehouse on Marine Terrace identified two juveniles — a girl and a boy — inside the store who had previously stolen goods.

Geraldton police officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said the security guard had instructed both juveniles to leave when an alleged altercation began.

He alleged the juveniles had stolen affordable perfume, which seemed to be a common item of desire at the store.

“One youth spat on the security guard, stating she had COVID-19,” he said.

Sen. Sgt Martin said the saliva landed on the guard’s forehead, and the juveniles left the store chanting they had COVID-19.

“Police have excellent CCTV and will be using the latest technology to identify the suspects,” he said.

The State Operations Command Centre based at the Maylands Incident Control Centre provides 24/7 oversight of Statewide activity. Sen. Sgt Martin said the technology had been in operation in Geraldton for about a month.

“Facial identification systems and a face match search which now uses facial recognition will identify suspects from CCTV, solving crime quicker and faster,” he said.

Sen. Sgt Martin said the latest intelligence would greatly enhance police efficiency and capability and reduce the use of police resources.

On Wednesday, acting officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Adrian Geary said police had identified a female juvenile and would be catching up with her as soon as possible.