WA Police helicopter identifies group of accused shoplifters after thefts from five stores in Geraldton

Four people have been charged with stealing after a helicopter tracked a group who it’s claimed shoplifted from five stores last week. While one of the latest WA Police aerial support helicopters, Airbus H145, flew to Geraldton to launch an operation to crack down on the unlawful riding of unregistered motorbikes, the eyes in the sky also helped officers on the ground arrest a group of alleged shoplifters. On the afternoon of Tuesday, May 14, police say five people stole from Kmart, JayJays, Liquorland and Coles in Northgate shopping centre, as well as from Wizard Warehouse on Marine Terrace. Despite local police making every effort to crack down on retail theft, Geraldton officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Russell Hurst said it was impossible for them to be ready at the scene at all times. Tactical flight crew member Sen. Const. Mal Curry said the chopper was patrolling the area when the station radioed through about the alleged shoplifting. “We got the description and we searched using our FLIR (thermal imaging identification) camera and saw a group, and some of the people in that group matched the description,” he said. Sen. Const. Curry said the flight crew were able to keep their eyes on the group from the sky. A 20-year-old appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court from custody on Thursday, charged with two counts of stealing, two counts threats, obstructing police, and disorderly behaviour. The matter was adjourned for legal advice until Thursday, June 20. The other accused, a 17-year-old girl, a 29-year-old woman, and a 24-year-old man, will all face court in the coming weeks. Police say one suspect is yet to be identified.