URGENT UPDATE: WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch has announced an immediate response to a troubling surge of youth crime in Kununurra, where children as young as 10 have been linked to a wave of car thefts. The alarming situation has prompted additional police presence in the area, as local officials and community members express growing frustration over rising incidents of vandalism and theft.
During a careers expo at the WA Police Academy in Joondalup, Blanch addressed what he termed a “flare-up” of criminal activity, countering claims of a widespread crime wave across the Kimberley region. “Kununurra has had consecutive nights of stolen cars, that’s the surge we’re addressing,” he stated on July 16, 2023. “However, crime is significantly down across the region.”
Blanch’s comments come as authorities revealed that a vehicle has been stolen every day this month in Kununurra, with all alleged offenders being juveniles. He described the situation as “not a massive problem but a serious one,” attributing the offenses to a small number of repeat young offenders.
Among those arrested last week was a 10-year-old boy, who faced charges for theft on two consecutive nights. Blanch emphasized the police’s role in arresting offenders while pointing out the need for parental responsibility in addressing the roots of youth crime. “I don’t think that’s a police conversation,” he said. “Our job is to arrest people committing crime, and we’ve done exactly that.”
Police Minister Reece Whitby echoed Blanch’s sentiments, urging parents to take responsibility for their children’s actions. “The whole community has a role here,” he stated. “Parents, mums and dads need to be responsible. Where are your kids?”
The community’s frustration is palpable, with residents actively sharing tips on social media to safeguard their properties from frequent break-ins and vandalism. Whitby acknowledged the emotional toll on locals, noting that feeling anger and frustration is justified, especially for those affected by theft. “This is complex. These are young children. They need services. They need support,” he added.
As the situation develops, police have committed to maintaining a significant presence in Kununurra, aiming to quell rising concerns over crime. Blanch reassured the community of the police’s effectiveness, stating, “They are out there. They are arresting every single person that is committing those offences.”
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant as police work to address the issues at hand. The government has also invested millions in resources to enhance community safety, with officials stressing that crime rates have, in fact, fallen overall.
The urgent situation in Kununurra highlights the critical intersection of law enforcement and community responsibility, as officials call for greater parental involvement to help curb juvenile crime.
