Tom Price police investigate Easter property damage

Local police believe a group of juveniles are behind a spate of property damage and home break-ins committed in Tom Price over the Easter long weekend.

The tight-knit Tom Price community was dismayed by a series of damage incidents last week which included a bench in the town centre being set alight, a handful of transit houses being broken into and left with minor damage, and alcohol being stolen out of people’s backyard fridges.

Smashed glass was also found littered across local roads over the weekend.

Tom Price police First Class Constable Trent Halliday said officers believed a group of about seven 12-15-year-olds had been entering transit housing to socialise or throw parties.

He said while the young people had probably been acting out of boredom, the damage had caused serious concern in the community.

“Compared to some places in the Pilbara, in Tom Price we don’t really have a juvenile crime issue, so this weekend community members have been a bit outraged about finding smashed bottles on streets and paths and seeing kids out walking around late at night,” he said.

Police have so far charged two youths with lighting a fire likely to damage property, and have issued juvenile cautions to another three people over the break-ins.

The investigation is ongoing.

If you notice any suspicious activity, call Tom Price police to make a report.