Teens charged after allegedly bashing East Vic Park IGA owner, data shows number people charged under new laws

Two teenagers have been charged over the shocking bashing of a supermarket owner, as new figures reveal about six people a week are being charged under new laws to protect retail workers. Police said the 17 and 18-year-old boys were at East Victoria Park IGA, located along Albany Highway, about 1pm on Wednesday when they tried to leave the store without paying for their items. After asking the teens to return the products, the owner was allegedly attacked and left with two black eyes. “This particular attack was particularly egregious, particularly violent and particularly distressing,” Premier Roger Cook said. “It’s not okay, it’s wrong and I’m so pleased that our police were able to apprehend two people.” The teenage boys will face Perth Children’s Court and Perth Magistrates Court on December 20, charged with aggravated robbery which has a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted. The West Australian understands East Victoria Park IGA experiences shoplifting at least once a week. A new “assault retail workers” offence carries a maximum penalty of up to seven years in prison, or up to 10 years if armed or in the company of others. The West Australian can reveal 124 people have been charged, since the laws came into effect in July. “Hard working Western Australians should be able to go to work without fear of being assaulted,” Police Minister Paul Papalia said on Thursday. “The fact that more than 120 people have now been charged under the legislation in just six months is proof it’s working. “I want to thank those officers involved in the East Victoria Park incident, WA Police acted incredibly quickly.” WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam said the attack showed crime was “out of control” in WA. “This is an appalling attack and my thoughts are with the victim,” Ms Mettam said. “This is just another example of crime being out of control under the Cook Labor Government. This is exactly why we need a Liberal Government to impose tougher bail laws and keep the community safe. “We’re also committed to implementing workplace protection orders.”