• Significant number of charges laid following establishment of Newman Detectives
• First time in history detectives office located in Pilbara town
• Regional WA continues to benefit from a boost in police resources through ongoing Operation Regional Shield

Crime in Newman has dramatically decreased over the previous two financial years, bolstered by the establishment of Newman Detectives for the first time in history.

WA Police statistics show a more than 20 per cent drop in overall offences in the Pilbara town, with 171 people processed for more than 320 offences since the Newman Detectives office opened just six months ago.

Western Australia is the largest non-Federal law enforcement jurisdiction in the world, and Newman Detectives are responsible for investigations spanning thousands of kilometres from Meekatharra to Kiwirrkurra.

The dedicated team is tasked with a variety of jobs from child abuse cases to robberies.

They work closely with Pilbara detectives and local police stations to deploy and adopt intelligence and technologies to locate, identify, and apprehend suspects.

In addition, regional cities and towns continue to benefit from a boost in WA Police resources through ongoing Operation Regional Shield, a $23.4 million program enhancing public safety.

Extra boots on the ground are driving down crime with South Hedland experiencing a 21 per cent decrease in total offences between 28 October 2024 and 24 November 2024, compared to the same reporting period in 2023.

The reduction in crime includes a more than 50 per cent decrease in car theft and a 25 per cent drop in burglary.

Comments attributed to Police Minister Paul Papalia:

"Western Australia has the highest quality and best equipped police force in the nation, if not the world.

"There are more police patrolling our streets than ever before, and we are recruiting more officers than ever before.

"I want to commend Newman Detectives on their hard work over the past six months, and for keeping the town and the surrounding areas safe for the community."

Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:

"In just six months, Newman Detectives have established a strong reputation within the local community, fostered trust, and delivered incredible results.

"The reduction in crime, particularly in Newman and South Hedland, is a testament to our dedicated police officers across the Pilbara."