Cops laud mostly quiet NYE

A number of burglaries and violent events marred an otherwise peaceful festive break, with police and emergency services praising the behaviour of revellers in Rockingham and Kwinana.

A hit-and-run incident in Rockingham on New Year’s Day is still being investigated after a man was dragged for more than 25m on Regent Street.

In Mandurah, a man is facing murder charges after police were called to a property on New Year’s Eve where a 19-year-old mother was found dead with wounds to her throat and back.

New Year’s Eve in Rockingham was largely a family affair, with an early sky show, before music and a midnight fireworks display.

Kwinana Police Station officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Greg Hutchinson said there was “nothing out of the ordinary” to report during the festive period but said car and house burglaries continued to be an issue in the Kwinana sub-district.

“We haven’t had a spike but we continue to see those offences,” he said.

“A majority of these offences occur because people have open or unlocked windows and doors.

“Often, people leave a window open during the night because it’s summer and forget to close them during the day when they’re out.”

Sen. Sgt Hutchinson encouraged people to remain vigilant by locking doors, closing windows and removing valuables from their cars.

Mandurah Police Station officer-in-charge Acting Senior Sergeant Brad Davey congratulated the public for their behaviour during the festive season and New Year’s Eve, which he said was historically a busy time for local police.

We are pleased to report it was a quiet night for us with a reduction of incidents compared to previous New Year’s Eve celebrations,

He also urged the community to continue ensuring vehicles and houses were secured.

“During the holiday period, there is an increase of burglary and theft offences, which often can be prevented through vigilance of property owners,” he said.

“We need to make it harder for crooks to commit these offences.”