State Government of Western Australia

12/15/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/14/2024 20:34

Additional police to target anti-social behaviour in Goldfields

  • Highly visible patrols around retail centres to deter crime over summer period
  • More officers on the road targeting drink and drug drivers
  • Regional cities and towns to benefit from boost in WA Police resources

The Kalgoorlie community will see more officers on the beat as part of a State-wide summer crime crackdown.

The additional police resources are being delivered through Operation Regional Shield, a $23.4 million program enhancing public safety right across regional Western Australia.

An increased number of general duties officers will be patrolling Kalgoorlie-Boulder streets targeting antisocial behaviour including alcohol fuelled offences and retail theft at busy shopping precincts.

Drink and drug drivers are also being put on notice with officers out in force and ready to test motorists 'anywhere - anytime.'

In addition, Goldfields-Esperance Liquor Enforcement Unit will be carrying out compliance checks and ensuring the responsible sale and consumption of alcohol.

Ramped up policing efforts combined with the Banned Drinkers Register are already having a significant impact on crime in Kalgoorlie.

WA Police Statistics show there's been a 17 per cent decrease in total offences across the region between 28 October 2024 and 24 November 2024, compared to the same reporting period in 2023.

Burglary has decreased 45 per cent, stealing has dropped more than 27 per cent and car theft is down more than 18 per cent.

Operation Regional Shield will continue to deliver increased police officer numbers throughout country WA over the festive season to suppress and disrupt criminal offending and enhance public safety.

Comments attributed to Police Minister Paul Papalia:

"A highly visible police presence will deter anti-social behaviour and keep the community safe over the holiday period.

"We know the summer months are extremely busy, and the Cook Government is committed to supporting our cops and regional communities.

"There are more police patrolling Western Australian streets than ever before and officers will be out in force in Kalgoorlie-Boulder."

Comments attributed to Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:

"I want to thank our hard-working WA Police officers for keeping the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community safe, particularly over the festive season.

"More boots on the ground mean less anti-social behaviour on our roads, streets and around shopping precincts.

"People tell me all the time what a big difference a visible police presence makes."