Help catch the Christmas Grinches

Katanning police have warned residents to be vigilant and keep their homes secure after a spate of burglaries before Christmas.

Police believe the thieves could be targeting homes and businesses as people “stock up for Christmas”.

Senior Sgt Brett Pingelly said the first incident occurred on Blantyre Street, where a caravan battery was stolen between December 5 and 12.

The Clive Street doctors’ surgery was also broken into last Tuesday, but police are waiting on a stocktake report from staff to see if anything was stolen.

It is understood two other properties were broken into and burgled the next day.

The first of those burglaries occurred about 8.30am at a home on Adam Street, where a window was smashed, and jewellery and iPads were taken.

The second happened between 6am and 4pm at a home on Clive Street, with a MacBook and wallet stolen.

The same home was targeted again the next day, on Wednesday, December 12, with about $8000 worth of property stolen.

Another home on Clive Street was also burgled on the same day, between 4am and 2pm, with about $2000 worth of property stolen.

A pair of shoes and a necklace were also allegedly stolen from Katanning’s Co-op the same afternoon. Police have charged two juveniles in relation to the Co-op burglary and they are investigating the other incidents.

Katanning Sergeant Michael Little urged anyone with information on the burglaries to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

“We also encourage all members of our community to continue to be mindful of their home security at this time, including ensuring all windows and doors are kept secured,” he said.

Sen. Sgt Pingelly said there had been a greater police presence in town since the incidents.

“It’s very odd to get multiple burglaries within a small area in such a small timeframe,” he said.

“I guess people know that others stock up for Christmas and it’s unfortunate they are willing to break into their houses for Christmas shopping. It’s really sad.”