Police mount successful operation

Mounted police who have been patrolling Bunbury’s southern suburbs have said the two-week operation had been a success.

Police from the Maylands based mounted section were called in to patrol suburbs such as Withers, Carey Park and Dalyellup in a bid to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.

Standing at more than 17 hands (1.7m), a Clydesdale called Hercules, along with his 16 hands (1.6m) Irish sport horse Otto have been a favourite with animal lovers this week, especially with children at Carey Park Primary School.

Officer-in-charge of Bunbury police Sen. Sgt Brett Cassidy said there had been amarked reduction in the number of burglaries in these areas.

Mounted officer Sen. Const. Stuart Mosscrop said the police horses had reassured residents in the area.

He said the presence of police horses was greater than patrol cars, which could only travel along roads.

During the past two weeks, the horses had been able to move through alleyways and because of the height of the police on horseback; they had been able to look over fences.

‘‘During the two weeks there have been a few incidents we’ve dealt with.

"One being last week where we were involved in the recovery of some cannabis plants that had been found during patrols and they’d seen some that were being grown while they were on patrol in the alleyway,’’ Sen. Const. Mosscrop said.

He said mounted police also seized what they believe to be amphetamines from a driver.

Withers Action Group convenor Glen Willetts said he was pleased with the police patrols over the past two weeks.

‘‘They have restored people’s faith in police,’’ he said.

‘‘The response from people has been great, we’ve had senior people say they feel safer and the young think the horses are fantastic.’’