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Geraldton Scouts says double burglary is ‘devastating’ and a ‘kick in the teeth’

Headshot of Liam Beatty
Liam BeattyGeraldton Guardian
Geraldton Scout Hall.
Camera IconGeraldton Scout Hall. Credit: Liam Beatty

For more than 50 years the Geraldton Scouts have been based out of an old air force hut on Sanford Street without any issues.

In the past two months, however, they’ve suffered two break-ins, with thieves stealing $15,000 of camping equipment from the hall.

Geraldton Scouts Koala group leader Kerrie Wann said the volunteer organisation was “devastated” by the first break-in on June 5, while the second on July 22 felt “like a kick in the teeth”.

“They didn’t even take anything this time, just kicked in the door and ransacked the hall,” she said.

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“It’s a blow for us, that’s for sure.”

She said the group had only recently filed an insurance claim for the first burglary, during which a hole was cut in a back fence and sheds were raided for equipment.

“As far as I’m aware, none of it has been recovered,” she said. “Everything is marked with the words ‘Geraldton Scout Group’, so if anyone comes across this, please report it to the police.

“Thankfully we’ve had some really great support from the community and local businesses, though.”

The group has been able to continue camps, with the scouts using donated and borrowed equipment, including a $500 donation from the BCF Geraldton store.

“We’re all volunteers just trying to help give the kids something to do,” Ms Wann said. “It’s just a real setback while we’re trying to fundraise to get the hall re-stumped.”

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