Police suspect a gang of youths is behind a spike in crime in Baldivis
Camera IconPolice suspect a gang of youths is behind a spike in crime in Baldivis Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Gang of youths suspected to be behind Baldivis crime spike

Rachel FennerWeekend Kwinana Courier

BALDIVIS has been a crime hotspot in recent weeks with Kwinana Police on the lookout for stolen cars and a gang of youths who appear to be targeting residential properties.

There has been a marked increase in burglaries on residential premises, retail theft and theft from parked vehicles.

Officer in charge of Kwinana Senior Sergeant Rob Read said a number of the offences occurred during the day.

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“However, on January 26 during the night and into the early hours of the morning there were further offences,” he said.

“Unfortunately the method used by the offenders was to smash doors and windows.

“One was through an unlocked door.”

This method of entry prompted Snr Sgt Read to encourage residents to report unusual noises to police.

“Smashing a glass door or window comes with noise. If you hear what you believe is smashing glass from a neighbour’s house, and they aren’t home, please contact police on 131444,” he said.

He also encourages residents to take part in ‘target hardening’.

“Target hardening is used to describe householders taking extra care of their property,” he said.

“We frequently ask residents to secure their houses and vehicles.

“The reason is that offenders will frequently look for easy targets as their first option including open doors and windows.

“If the offender uses force to gain entry, then the chance of they leave forensic evidence increases greatly.”

Snr Sgt Read said open doors and windows decreased the chance of an offender leaving evidence.

“Descriptions from a number of these burglaries and attempted thefts from vehicles are of three to four dark skinned youths aged between 14 and 18,” he said.

“They have been seen at offences in Settlers Hill and Rivergums and also in one of the stolen vehicles from these burglaries.

“Please report any suspicious behaviour from youths matching this description, as they may be entering the backs of houses, but have to go through front yards from to do so.”

Snr Sgt Read asked people with CCTV to review their systems if their neighbours have been victims of theft.

Kwinana Police are also on the lookout for four stolen vehicles and a trailer.

– A grey Toyota Kluger registration 1DPC066

– A white Holden Commodore Ute registration RO25103

– A white Toyota Dyna truck registration 1CGU260

– A trailer registration 1TKJ915

– A white 2005 Holden Commodore Ute registration 1CAC905

Snr Sgt Read would like to remind people that the registration plates may have been changed.