Kimberley Hotel told to remove razor wire put in place to deter thieves from breaking in | 7NEWS

2023-04-15 23:31:46 By : Ms. Sissy Wan

Businesses in a WA region terrorised by young children have been asked to remove razor wire fencing because it could cause injury, according to reports.

The Kimberley Hotel was ordered by Halls Creek shire authorities to remove the sharp material, which had been used to deter vandals and thieves looking to break in. Double Strand Barbed Wire

Kimberley Hotel told to remove razor wire put in place to deter thieves from breaking in | 7NEWS

The hotel put the unapproved wire up after initially securing approval to install an electric fence around the property’s perimeter, but that is yet to go up.

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Razor wire was added to the top of a 2.1m fence after staff accommodation was vandalised multiple times while under construction, owner Brett Perkins said.

The wire was removed after Perkins was informed by the shire that if someone was injured he could be charged.

“I just want to protect my staff and I’m just frustrated like everyone else in town. It’s the minority that are causing the trouble, it is two or three in a town of 1500,” he told the Kimberley Echo.

“The local fencing laws are just out of date.”

The Kimberley Hotel has submitted a retroactive development application to the Shire for the razor wire, with the council to consider it on Thursday.

The Kimberley, in WA’s north, has been riddled with stories of youth crime, including dangerous high-speed pursuits, in recent years.

Authorities say young offenders in stolen vehicle are often the ones chasing police and recording their deadly stunts for social media.

In Halls Creek alone, there were close to 300 reports of property damage made to police in 2022. Vehicle theft reports were also at a nine-year high.

North West Central MP Merome Beard previously said it was obvious a revamp was needed.

“It’s a matter of actually taking stock and having a look at what we are doing. Whatever we are doing is clearly not working,” Beard said.

By Karen Sweeney / Courts & Justice

By Clare Duffy and Catherine Thorbecke / Google

By Karen Sweeney / Courts & Justice

Kimberley Hotel told to remove razor wire put in place to deter thieves from breaking in | 7NEWS

U Type Wire By Clare Duffy and Catherine Thorbecke / Google