Crime hits Australind

The crime nightmare in Eaton has crept into Australind, with a string of incidents frightening residents and causing police to issue crime prevention advice to the public. Australind was hit with a spate of crime which involved the theft of alcohol and a car. The offences followed shocking crimes allegedly committed by juveniles in Eaton. Four people allegedly involved have been arrested. Police do not believe the towns’ incidents are related. On September 26 and 27 three cars were broken into in north Australind. The Leschenault Pavilion was also broken into and had a substantial amount of alcohol stolen from its premises. The crimes were also accompanied by the theft of a ute in Kingston which was later found torched and dumped. Australind Acting Sergeant Mike Bickford said these crimes were unusual for the Australind areas which had a peaceful family-friendly neighbourhood. “People should keep their cars and houses locked, not leave valuables in plain sight and report suspicious behaviour to police,” Sgt Bickford said. “We would also like to reiterate the importance of knowing your neighbours, not advertising your holidays on social media and reporting crimes directly to police instead of via Facebook.” Two bikes were also reported stolen from the Australind Village shopping centre last week. The alleged offenders were caught on camera leaving with the bikes and police are working to identify the suspects. Harvey shire president Paul Gillett said it was disappointing that a community building such as the Leschenault Pavilion was targeted. “As we’re aware that there has been a spate of other crimes on our neighbouring shires, this is a timely reminder for people to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour,” Cr Gillett said. “This is a fantastic community facility run by volunteers so it is disappointing to see that it has been targeted.”