Shire of Manjimup vandalism could lead to pub crackdown

Police have hinted at a crackdown on pubs and other licensed venues in Manjimup after a weekend of vandalism and destruction in the town’s CBD earlier this month.

Manjimup police Sergeant Jayden Lowe said officers were investigating after several individuals — caught on CCTV — caused significant damage to town rubbish bins, dismembered vergeside trees and broke a solar panel bollard on the weekend of January 14-15.

He said they would look at if excessive alcohol consumption at licensed premises was a contributing factor, which could lead to a crackdown on the town’s watering holes.

Under WA law, it is an offence to sell or supply alcohol to a drunken person, permit a drunken person to consume alcohol or aid a drunken person in obtaining or consuming alcohol, with penalties up to $10,000 for a licensee or manager and $4000 for an employee or agent.

Shire CCTV caught several people damaging four of the new bins in the town centre, two cherry trees on Rose Street, two red maple trees and two red oak trees opposite Woolworths, four ornamental pear trees on O’Connor Street and a solar bollard behind Tall Timbers.

Shire president Paul Omodei said he was disappointed by the senseless vandalism.

“Vandalism is extremely frustrating and an unnecessary drain on the shire finances,” he said.

“The installation of CCTV cameras in the CBD has thankfully captured the offenders and police are now investigating.”

He said the Shire would be pressing charges.

“The vandalism of public property is not only a criminal act, it is senseless, disrespectful and a waste of ratepayers’ money,” he said.

“All offenders will be dealt with by the full force of the law.”

The shire is offering a reward of up to $1000 to anyone who provides information which leads to the conviction of offenders for any act of vandalism to shire-owned or managed property.

Criminal damage carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, but if it is dealt with in the Magistrates Court, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for three years and a fine of $36,000.