Residents plan march to highlight effects of crime

Hedland residents are planning a march to highlight the effects of crime after community outrage over recent break-ins.

Earlier this month Shannon Bourke’s house was broken into in the early hours of the morning while wife and two young children slept.

Part of the exterior wall was removed to gain access to the house and thousands of dollars worth of personal items were stolen, along with an Isuzu work ute.

In his frustration, Mr Bourke posted photos of the damage to his house on social media, generating a lengthy community discussion.

It was the catalyst for the idea of the march, according to organiser Tom Keefe who said enough was enough.

“It’s about time the community got involved,” he said. “People are blaming the police, the Shire, the mayor and they’ve done what they can and so it’s about time the community stood up and come out as a force.”

“I don’t mean in a vigilante way; I mean we’re going to be looking out for our neighbours.”

South Hedland police Senior Sergeant Dean Snashall told theTelegraph the break-in at Mr Bourke’s house was “unusual”.

“It’s not something we see every day and it certainly was an unusual method of entry and probably something we haven’t seen here,” Sen. Sgt Snashall said.

“It’s a one-off we hope.”

In an open letter to the community on page 14 of this newspaper, Sen. Sgt Snashall said so far this year there had been an increase in burglaries, stealing and damages but he said arrests had also increased.

He added he was happy to speak with anyone who had questions about what was being done to fight crime, adding he would also be happy to address a crowd of people if the march goes ahead.

“I’m happy to talk to anyone, in any environment and answer questions,” he said.

“We’ve got nothing to hide from our perspective.”

A community meeting was held at Dreamers Corner last week and was attended by about 20 people.

The group will meet again on May 26 at South Hedland Shopping Centre to set a date for the march and rally.

Mr Keefe said he hoped more people would attend the next meeting and said he hoped the community discussion would encourage “better communication” about crime.