Businesses warned to be more aware

Detectives and the Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industry are offering security advice to businesses following the arrest of a man who allegedly stole $20,000 worth of property.

Det-Sgt Stephen Harris urged businesses to be more aware of their surroundings, even when helping a customer.

“When showing a customer something from a display case, take the item out and lock the case in between each showing,” he said.

Det-Sgt Harris said Bunbury had a big shoplifting problem and the majority were repeat offenders.

“Be aware there are a lot of people in Bunbury who go around shoplifting,” he said.

A 42-year-old man from near Mandurah was arrested on Monday for allegedly stealing more than $20,000 of merchandise from stores, most in Bunbury.

The accused appeared in Bunbury Magistrates Court on Tuesday on seven charges of stealing and one charge of attempted stealing.

He was released on bail and will appear in Perth Magistrates Court on Friday.

It will be alleged on July 5 in Bunbury, he stole a fishing reel from BCF, two rings from Cash Converters and two mobile phones from Harvey Norman to the approximate value of $9500.

The accused also allegedly attempted to steal two mobiles from a Harvey Norman store in Perth on July 30 worth about $1500.

On August 12, it is alleged the man stole sunglasses from Sunglasses Hut, binoculars from Army Surplus and two rings from Goldsmiths Jewellers, all in Bunbury, worth about $9000.

Last week, Bunbury Detectives worked with Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industry to circulate photos of the accused to find out his name.

Det-Sgt Harris said the partnership led to the accused’s arrest. Chamber members manager Allison Sawyer said it was important for police and businesses to work together to tackle shoplifting.

“We would consider doing this on a regular basis,” she said.

“We all have different information so it is good to pool our resources.”

Chamber chief executive Ray Philp said he was keen to get the South West Business Police Academy set up.

“It’s a series of workshops and session teaching business owners how to better protect their store and what to look out for,” he said.