Juvenile arrested after alleged shoplifting and assault at Northgate Shopping Centre Coles

A juvenile has been arrested and charged with shoplifting and assault after police say a supermarket worker and shopping centre security guard challenged him.

Police allege a 15-year-old boy entered Coles at Northgate Shopping Centre on Wednesday, June 29, about 5pm, and went to scan various groceries, including meat, at the self-serve checkouts but attempted leave with unpaid items.

A 52-year-old woman employed at Coles stopped the accused, who allegedly pushed and threw the woman to the ground.

Geraldton police officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said the boy was challenged by a security guard and a physical altercation broke out.

“The staff member sustained swelling and bruising to her lower back and was walking with a limp,” Sen. Sgt Martin said.

“The accused was in the company of two other people and is well known to police.”

Sen. Sgt Martin said this behaviour was never acceptable when people were trying to do their job.

“As much as we all feel a pinch from the cost of living, it’s a global issue and not necessary reflective of the crime we are facing in Geraldton,” he said.

The groceries were recovered and the 15-year-old was due to face court on Thursday, charged with shoplifting and assault.