- Total number of WA Police Force call-outs decreased in West Kimberley communities during first month of new liquor restrictions
- Combined 42 per cent drop in family violence and alcohol-related offences across Derby, Broome and Fitzroy Crossing
- Decision to impose restrictions made by the Director of Liquor Licensing (DLL) in response to the high level of alcohol-related harm identified in the region
West Kimberley towns have seen a reduction in crime since the introduction of new liquor restrictions in Derby and Broome earlier this year.
The WA Police Force reported a 42 per cent decrease in the number of alcohol and domestic violence-related offences, such as assault and threatening behaviour, in Derby, Broome and Fitzroy Crossing when comparing 15 July 2024 to 15 August 2024 with the same period the previous year.
In Derby, alcohol-related offences against the person dropped 61 per cent - from 98 to 38 - while family violence reduced by 54 per cent.
There were 76 fewer alcohol and family violence-related offences in Broome - a reduction of 26 per cent - while the number of crimes for the same offence categories dropped by more than half in Fitzroy Crossing.
The total number of police jobs across the West Kimberley towns reduced by a combined 12 per cent over the four weeks.
Similar positive results were experienced in Carnarvon following the introduction of liquor restrictions on 5 May 2023, resulting in an approximately 40 per cent drop in crime over a 12-month period. The broader success of those restrictions is currently being reviewed.
Comments attributed to Police and Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia:
"It's still very early days but it appears the impact of new liquor restrictions has been positive and almost immediate.
"Kimberley Police have enhanced both covert and overt efforts targeting alcohol offences, like sly grogging and carriage limits, as part of Operation Lansdowne.
"I want to thank the local community for being so understanding and accepting of the new rules during this early transition period.
"Alcohol-related harm is a problem that won't go away overnight. A whole-of-community and government approach is needed, and we will continue to look at ways to tackle what is a complex issue."
