A man forced his way into three homes in the South Kalgoorlie-Boulder area early on Monday morning and sexually assaulted a woman at each house, police have revealed.
Police on Monday said between 1am and 3.30am a male offender forced entry into three homes before sexually assaulting the female occupant, and attempted to gain entry into a fourth home.
Superintendent Steve Thompson said as a result of police inquiries they arrested a 31-year-old man shortly before 7am on Monday.
The man was in custody and assisting police with the investigation.
It wasn’t a matter of an open door, there was force used.
“Our thoughts are with the victims of these incidents, which would have been a significant and traumatic event, and they’ve been provided with a medical and support that is appropriate,” Supt Thompson said.
Supt Thompson said the victims were aged between 30 and 70, with two of the women the only occupants of the houses at the time of the attacks but there was another occupant present during the incident in the third home.
He said entry was forced to the premises at these locations.
“It wasn’t a matter of an open door, there was force used,” he said.
Supt Thompson said Kalgoorlie detectives had launched a major investigation and were supported by resources from Kalgoorlie Police Station, the District Forensic Office and the Intelligence Office.
“We’ve asked some members from our Crime Scene Unit, and also members from the Sexual Assault Squad to come in and assist with the investigation. It’s obviously a large investigation we have a number of crime scenes that need to be processed, so we’ve asked for additional support,” Supt Thompson said.
He said it was still early in the investigation, and he could not provide details on any charges that may or may not be laid.
“We all come together, when it’s significant crimes such as this, we throw all available resources and we use all our capabilities. And it’s very pleasing for me that within a matter of hours we were able to make an arrest,” Supt Thompson said.
“We’re fortunate to live in this State that incidents such as this . . . are very rare. And when they do occur, they are our highest priority and we throw all our resources at the investigation.”
Supt Thompson urged anyone with information regarding the offenses that occurred or noticed any suspicious behavior between 1am and 3.30am to contact Kalgoorlie Detectives, or Crime Stoppers online or at 1300 333 000.
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