Geraldton Senior High School principal disappointed after up to 30 bikes were stolen over the weekend

Police are appealing for witnesses after up to 30 mountain bicycles were stolen from Geraldton Senior High School over the weekend, leaving students lacking physical education equipment needed for classes. A burglary occurred at the school between 3.30pm on Friday and 2.30pm on Sunday. Police allege suspects gained entry through the building by forcing open an external wooden door into a gymnasium store room and stole 25 to 30 mountain bicycles belonging to the high school. Geraldton Senior High School principal Emma Walker said it was disappointing to see and the school was working with police, but it was fortunate no other areas of the school were targeted. “It is really disappointing that a number of school bikes — which are used by our students for outdoor education and other activities — were stolen from a store room over the weekend,” she said. “We have a great community here who comes together when needed and we encourage everyone to report any suspicious activity to WA Police on 131 444 or the Department’s School Watch Security on 1800 177 777.” Geraldton Police officer-in-charge Chris Martin said police believed the suspects could be students at the school due to knowledge of the building layout and an understanding of where the bicycles were kept. “The accused have gained entry to the building by forcing open solid wooden doors to the gymnasium storeroom, it appears some jamming tool or crowbar was used to force open the door,” Senior Sergeant Martin said. “Once they’ve been inside, they have stolen up to 25 to 30 bicycles; quite a lot.” Police are waiting to gather CCTV footage from the school to investigate. “No doubt they’ll (the bikes) be out in the community somewhere and police want to get them back as soon as possible,” Sen. Sgt Martin said. “I think the school had tried their best to lock them away by putting them inside a solid structure, unfortunately the people responsible also knew they were there as well.” The stolen bicycles are described as mountain bikes in various brands, including a blue Apollo, and Gekko brands in silver, black and purple.