Mandurah: South West Trailers owner says thefts from business ‘anarchy’

A MANDURAH business owner, targeted by thieves five times in three years, has described the situation as “anarchy”.

South West Trailers in Hampton Street had two trailers stolen at the weekend.

The thieves smashed through fences and destroyed property to get out with the trailers.

One of them was a galvanised plant trailer worth $5500, with government plates, waiting for transport to Exmouth.

The second was a three bike single axle motorbike trailer valued at $2000.

Owner Marise Petchell said they have cameras but the thieves seemingly do not care.

“The area needs better lighting, it’s just anarchy,” she said.

In 2013, thieves stole two car-carrying trailers from the business, valued at $14,000.

In April 2015, they took a $4000 generator and in December 2015, they stole two trailers worth $4000 and $1800.

“We saw a trailer advertised on Gumtree,” she said.

“They found it at a block in Barragup.

“There was a lot of different equipment in various stages of modification at that property and the occupant said he bought it for $50 at the Pinjarra tip.”

In January this year, a customer’s trailer in for repairs and valued at $6000 was stolen.

“We have cameras but they don’t care and we put security lights in but they don’t care,” Mrs Petchell said.

“The area needs more police patrols.

“If anyone on Gordon Road has cameras we’d be appreciative if they would get in touch.”

Mandurah officer in charge Senior Sergeant Stephen Thompson said the area is heavily patrolled by police.

“Particularly at weekends,” he said.

“Commercial premises are more vulnerable at weekends when they are not operating.”

Sgt Thompson believes trailers are a popular target for thieves because they are not as distinct as cars.

“We ask for people to report suspicious behaviour in this area on weekends,” he said.

“If someone is moving around, we want to know about it.”

He said the overall burglary rate had decreased in parts of Mandurah.