Karratha reports spike in "opportunistic" crime

Police are reporting a spike in the number of opportunistic crimes around Karratha.

Senior Constable Michael Bickford said from December 1 to January 20, there had been an increase in the number of vehicles stolen, trailers in particular. Seven vehicles and three trailers had been stolen from the Light Industrial Area.

Sen. Const Bickford said the incidents had been fairly spread out across the town, with no area seemingly targeted more than any other.

There were burglaries last week in Baynton, Millars Well and Pegs Creek.

"What we're finding is the same old problems, there's heaps of opportunistic crime happening," he said.

Sen. Const Bickford said one of the problems was a lot of residents had reverted to communicating with each other through Facebook about suspicious activities but not alerting the police as well.

"People should use social media to advise their neighbours and friends around town," he said.

"But the first point of call should be the police.

"There's no need for people to press charges or go through the court, we just need people to give us a call so we have an idea of the areas we can put our resources into."

Sen. Const Bickford said any suspicious activity, no matter how minor, should be reported.

"A number of offences are being identified after the event," he said.

"We'll go to a reported burglary or stealing of a car and by doing doorknocks, or talking to other residents in the area, there'll be other people saying someone had gone through their vehicle too but they didn't report it."

To report any suspicious activity, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or contact Karratha police on 9143 7200.

What we're finding is the same old problems, there's heaps of opportunistic crime happening. Senior Constable Michael Bickford