Home

New Capel police station brings more officers to South West

Ailish DelaneySouth Western Times
Capel shire councillors Kieran Noonan, Doug Kitchen and Rosina Mogg with shire president Michael Southwell and new Capel Police Station officer-in-charge Sgt Chris Page at the station’s opening on Tuesday.
Camera IconCapel shire councillors Kieran Noonan, Doug Kitchen and Rosina Mogg with shire president Michael Southwell and new Capel Police Station officer-in-charge Sgt Chris Page at the station’s opening on Tuesday. Credit: Ailish Delaney/South Western Times

The new $8 million Capel Police Station has officially opened its doors, with the town and surrounding areas set to benefit from a stronger police presence.

Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray had lobbied for more police presence in the area for several years and said getting the station had been a “political arm wrestle”.

“It was said time and time again it would never happen, and here we are ... opening the police station,” he said.

Community members have previously voiced concerns about the location of the station, claiming it would be better suited in a location with more crime, such as Dalyellup.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Police crime statistics show Capel recorded 137 offences in the 2019-20 period, while Dalyellup recorded 513, a contributing factor to community members calling for a station there.

Mr Murray said Capel had a “small amount of crime”, but believed the officers would help to decrease crime out in smaller towns.

“It’s going to supplement Bunbury, Busselton and over in Donnybrook as well, but also give coverage in towns such as Dardanup, Boyanup and around other areas,” he said.

Police Minister Michelle Roberts unveiling the Capel Police Station plaque with Police Commissioner Chris Dawson and Premier Mark McGowan.
Camera IconPolice Minister Michelle Roberts unveiling the Capel Police Station plaque with Police Commissioner Chris Dawson and Premier Mark McGowan.

Police Minister Michelle Roberts said the location would be “excellent” for deploying police cars and keeping the roads safe.

“We need people to drive safely, we want families to be safe, we want people to come home to their families at night,” she said.

Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said the station was a great addition for the South West district.

The team will be of great support to not only this community . . . but importantly providing added police presence on our roads.

Chris Dawson

“We know Bussell Highway and the surrounding roads are very heavily used by the community and you will see a greater visible police presence.”

Premier Mark McGowan said the nine officers located at the station would be additional officers to the region.

Five of the officers will be used for traffic enforcement.

“It’ll mean there are police officers closer for any issues that might arise and also means there’ll be additional police officers on the roads ensuring safety,” he said.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails