UPDATE: Police have now confirmed a fifth report of a needle being found in strawberries after a Willetton Primary School student bit into one today.
A police spokesman said the latest report highlighted the dangers of the matter.
“WA Police Force is joining with other agencies in appealing for people to take care when preparing strawberries for consumption,” he said.
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READ NOW“Further, anyone who locates anything suspicious is encouraged to contact their local police, call 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
The people found responsible could face a charge of act or omission causing bodily harm or danger.
The police investigation is being spearheaded by Serious and Organised Crime Squad detectives.
“These investigations will consider how the needle was located with the strawberries, where the strawberries were purchased, who produced and packaged the strawberries, and whether there is any criminality in these discoveries,” the spokesman said.
“Further, the investigations will seek to verify these reports. People who make false reports may also face charges.”
Earlier today, police confirmed there had been four reports in total – made in York, Kelmscott, Bull Creek and Spearwood.
The Health Department says members of the public can still purchase and eat locally grown strawberries, but in light of recent events, should cut them before eating.
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The first report came yesterday, when a member of the public presented at York Police Station to report concerns that a needle was found in a punnet of strawberries.
He told police that he located the needle in his sink after preparing strawberries for his family.
The man did not recall the needle being in the sink prior to preparing the strawberries.
The strawberries were produced and packaged in Western Australia.
A WA Police spokesman said members of the public should be cautious in handling strawberries and report any discoveries to local police.
Reports can also be made by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.
A video purporting to be filmed at Donnybrook Berries was posted on Facebook last night, with a huge amount of strawberries reportedly being dumped because of the contamination scare.