Extra cops to help cut crime

Fifteen additional police officers are now stationed in Broome as new figures reveal across the board increases in crime over the entire district.

Compared to 2014-15, general crime in Broome this financial year has so far jumped 8.5 per cent (208 offences) and 11.1 per cent (648 offences) district-wide.

Domestic violence in Broome was up 38.6 per cent (173 offences) and 20.1 per cent (272 offences) throughout the district.

Burglaries in Broome have increased by 3.5 per cent (15 offences) and one per cent (11 offences) district-wide while motor vehicle theft in town was up 9.8 per cent (15 offences) and 31.9 per cent (73 offences) district-wide.

Theft in Broome had increased by 3.9 per cent (23 offences) and 4.1 per cent (45 offences) across the district.

The only recorded decrease was damage in Broome, down 6 per cent (30 offences) but district-wide there was an increase of 11.6 per cent (136 offences).

Kimberley District Office Superintendent Allan Adams said police in Broome were already bringing three of the four key volume crime offences — burglary, stealing and damage — to an acceptable level.

He admitted there were issues surrounding motor vehicle theft which would be partly addressed through crime prevention strategies.

“The (crime) increases were impacted by a very busy Christmas period where juvenile volume crime offending was significantly above the average, so overall Broome has done a reasonable job in bringing those numbers back to a degree of respectability,” Supt Adams said.

He said there was still “much more to do” and singled-out domestic violence as a big contributor to crime.

“I strongly believe we are only receiving a small sub-set of reports from the actual offences committed, so am not concerned by the increase as it indicates a growing number of people are having faith in their police to resolve these sensitive matters,” he said.

Supt Adams said the extra staff would help increase a proactive on-road presence, reduce the amount of alcohol consumed in the community and target individuals with a history of criminal behaviour.

“These strategies, along with greater community participation in reducing crime, will pay dividends for all,” he said.

Shire of Broome president Ron Johnston said he intends to personally write to Police Minister Liza Harvey and Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan and thank them for the extra numbers to maintain law and order.

Mr Johnston said he was confident the police reinforcements would have a considerable impact on law and order and liveability in the Kimberley.

“While statistically there has been a jump in crime, it must be remembered that quite often many offences are committed by the same individual or group of individuals,” he said.