Libs call for more police support following two alleged assaults on Kalgoorlie-Boulder supermarket staff

Two violent assaults on Kalgoorlie-Boulder supermarket staff in recent weeks has emphasised the need for more support for local police, Liberal candidate for Kalgoorlie Rowena Olsen says. Ms Olsen says a Boulder supermarket staff member, aged in her 60s, was allegedly assaulted in the early hours of November 2 and was left suffering symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. The Kalgoorlie Miner has obtained video footage of the alleged assault, which appears to show a person attempting to choke the staff member from behind while bystanders tell the person to stop. Ms Olsen said it came just two weeks after a similar violent incident at a Kalgoorlie supermarket where a staff member suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Perth for medical treatment. A photo of the alleged victim was also obtained by the Kalgoorlie Miner, showing graphic injuries to the woman’s face. Ms Olsen said despite the dedication of local police, their ability to respond to the latest assault was limited because of “staffing constraints”. She said police were called by concerned customers, but the alleged attacker had been evicted by store staff and detained nearby before officers arrived. “Our local police are doing all they can under tough conditions, but they simply don’t have the resources to keep up— especially as we approach summer when antisocial behaviour typically spikes,” she said. “We’re already seeing dangerous incidents like these, and summer hasn’t even started. “If we don’t act now, we risk seeing even more severe instances of violent crime. “Workplace protection orders will help bring consequences back for those doing the wrong thing.” Ms Olsen said both incidents highlighted the urgent need for proactive measures to protect vulnerable retail workers, such as the Liberals’ commitment to workplace protection orders, which she said would act like violence restraining orders for businesses to ban violent or intimidating individuals. Member for Kalgoorlie Ali Kent said violence and antisocial behaviour was unacceptable and she was saddened to hear the incidents had happened in the community However, she said local police did an “excellent job” and it was “very disappointing” to hear Ms Olsen criticise their efforts in an attempt to “self promote”. “I condemn the actions of these alleged individuals and am pleased WA Police have charged two people under the tough new laws our Government created to help protect retail staff and jail violent attackers or serial shoplifters,” she said. “The new ‘assault retail worker’ offence has dramatically increased penalties for individuals who attack workers to a maximum of 10 years in prison, up from 18 months behind bars, and a fine of $18,000. “The ‘fine only’ penalty limit has been removed and serial thieves now face up to two years imprisonment. “WA Police Force officer numbers are at a record high with more than 7100 officers protecting our streets, and we continue to grow the force. “Operation Regional Shield enables WA Police to rapidly deploy additional assets to address criminal offending anywhere in the State.”