Burglary spate sparks mounted response

Mounted police from Perth and a canine officer from Bunbury have been called in after a spate of car burglaries in West Busselton.

Senior Sergeant Steve Principe said about 40 cars had been broken into in the past three weeks with schools, TAFE, recreation centre and church car parks the primary targets.

“They are using rocks to smash windows and are targeting petty cash and small electronic items,” he said.

“The incidents are happening anywhere between 11am and 3pm.”

Sgt Principe said when offenders had been spotted they’d run into surrounding bushland making them difficult to locate.

“The mounted police are highly mobile and can use the horses to get into bushland,” he said.

“They will also help people feel safe and secure.”

Sgt Principe said the offenders were believed to be a group of juveniles, possibly students wagging school, and police had a list of possible suspects.

“As well as patrolling, the police are working hard to investigate and identify the people responsible,” he said.

Sgt Principe said the mounted police would continue their patrols today, and recommended people kept money and electrical items out of sight.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Busselton Police.