Police Beat

The store’s front door was forced and $14,000 worth of power tools (similar to picture below) were stolen in the mid-week overnight burglary.

The two alleged offenders were seen driving off in a Nissan X-Trail wagon at about 3.40am.

The video security footage was used to identify two suspects and track them to Dunsborough, where they were arrested, charged and held in custody.

They were denied bail after appearing in a Perth court.

A police search of a Perth house resulted in some of the stolen items being recovered.

The case is ongoing as police make further inquiries about other burglaries in regional WA.

The arrests demonstrate the value of installing security cameras to deter crime.

Officers at the Toodyay Police Station can provide information if you have any queries about installing video security systems to protect your property.

That goes for business and residential properties as well as farms, which are often targeted by criminals on the lookout for unsecured guns, fuel, vehicles and tools.

Farms hit twice

A SECOND farm in Morangup was hit by thieves last month after a shotgun was stolen from a local farmhouse the previous month (see September Police Beat).

In both cases, the houses were left unlocked while the owners were absent.

The latest robbery resulted in theft of a Toyota Landcruiser.

There were no video security cameras on the large property, and no witnesses.

Another Toyota Landcruiser was stolen from a secured yard in the Beach Road area of Moondyne last month.

The 1988 ute was fitted with a bulk water container on the rear tray and left unlocked with the keys in the cab.

Police are investigating.

Inmates clean up

I’D LIKE to express specials thanks to the volunteer inmates from Wooroloo Prison Farm who helped clean up our front yard at the Toodyay Police Station last month.

They visit every six weeks or so and always do a fantastic job helping to keep us looking neat and tidy.

Well done everyone.

$350 raised at Show

I’M ALSO pleased to report a very good turnout at our local police stall at last month’s Toodyay Agricultural Show.

We saw up to 400 visitors on the day and handed out about 100 police showbags for children and another 100 with crime prevention tips for adults.

A highlight was the raising of about $350 for WA Police Legacy, a charitable organisation that provides hardship assistance to the families of deceased officers.

Drive to conditions

I’D LIKE to close this month with a reminder to motorists to please drive to the conditions rather than the speed limit.

For instance, there are sections (pictured left) of Goomalling Road in Nunile  where you are allowed to do 110km/h but it would be a lot safer to drive a little slower on the tight bends and uneven road surface.

Similarly on gravel roads – please drive to the conditions, not the speed limit.

And if you see a kangaroo leap out in front of you, whatever you do, please don’t swerve to avoid it.

Veering at speed onto the soft shoulder can cause you to lose control of steering and slam sideways into a tree or roll over.

Modern cars are built to absorb head-on collisions with solid objects but can crush easily in sideways impacts, risking serious injury to vehicle occupants.

Always brake in a straight line while maintaining firm control – better a dented radiator than a crushed passenger cabin.

And again, drive to the conditions.

If driving at dusk somewhere like Dewars Pool Road or Julimar Road when visibility is poor and roos may be about, please slow down to give yourself more time to react if needed.

Better to be safe than sorry.