Geraldton MLA pens letter to Police Minister Reece Whitby urging him to visit city, tackle rising crime

Geraldton MLA Kirrilee Warr has penned a letter urging the new police minister to visit the region, to help tackle rising crime in the area. One of the main parts of her election campaign, Ms Warr vowed to curb crime in Geraldton, prompting the letter to Reece Whitby. In the letter, Ms Warr detailed recent crime statistics and urged Mr Whitby to visit and speak with local leaders, businesses, and residents to hear the impact crime was having in the area. Ms Warr said recent incidents meant action was needed. “2025 has already seen a horrific start for our community, with a number of incidents which have left families and businesses feeling unsettled and unsafe,” she said. “It’s time for the police minister to address and make rising crime rates in Geraldton a priority. “Recent weeks have seen cars stolen and set alight, high-speed pursuits in the middle of town, small businesses including our taxi service suffering significant property damage, and a tragic sexual assault at the Geraldton Foreshore. “I am horrified, saddened, and truly concerned about these incidents and we need urgent action from the Cook Labor Government to restore safety and order.” Ms Warr also referred to WA Police statistics in her letter, saying reported offences had increased by 45 per cent since 2017, and nearly 10,000 reports coming in 2024. “Crimes against people have more than doubled with over 2000 assaults recorded last year,” she said. “Homes and businesses are under constant threat with over 2200 stealing offences and 1300 cases of property damage, with no signs of improvement in the first quarter of 2025.” She also offered some solutions, such as deploying additional police to the area, investing in support for diversionary pathways, and the delivery of the crisis accommodation in a “timely manner”. A State Government spokesperson confirmed Mr Whitby had received the letter, and was committed to meeting with locals. “Minister Whitby is meeting with police in regional areas to discuss local issues,” he said. “He looks forward to meeting with Geraldton Police and local community leaders and stakeholders soon to determine what more can be done to make the community safer.”