Broome drug offences up more than 50 per cent over past 12 months

Statistics show there has been a major jump in drug offences in Broome with other crimes also up significantly over the past year.

According to WA Police statistics in the 2022-23 financial year, drug offences in Broome jumped by 52 per cent, threatening behaviour increased 73 per cent, assaults increased 12 per cent and graffiti increased 60 per cent on the previous year.

Liberal leader Libby Mettam said the Broome community deserved swift action to address the escalating crime rates.

“Assaults, threatening behaviour, burglaries, drug offences, and graffiti have all gotten out of control particularly in Broome,” Ms Mettam said.

“Meth use is also a massive issue we’ve heard about on the ground here.

“There’s a disconnect between community expectations and what actually happens in our court system. We have a light touch approach under the Labor Government.”

It comes after Broome police reported earlier this month they had responded to a staggering 2742 incidents in the troubled tourist town since the start of 2024.