Western Australian police have issued a stern warning to teenagers planning unofficial end-of-year celebrations on Rottnest Island, promising swift action against anti-social behaviour following last year's destructive incidents that required riot squad intervention.
Increased Police Presence Announced
Authorities revealed on Monday that additional officers would be deployed across the island throughout the summer period specifically targeting the junior leavers period from December 5 to 16, 2025. This comes after last December's chaos where hundreds of unruly teens overwhelmed local authorities, resulting in officers being pelted with bottles and multiple assaults.
Rottnest Island officer-in-charge Sergeant Michael Wear delivered a clear message to potential troublemakers: "We want everyone to feel safe on Rottnest Island. Those who think they can create disorder will be met with firm enforcement — our officers are prepared and will take swift action to keep Rottnest a safe place for everyone to enjoy."
Last Year's Chaos Prompts Crackdown
The police response follows significant disturbances during last year's junior leavers event, where authorities were forced to call in specialist units to control the situation. The incidents included multiple reported assaults, with one particularly concerning case involving a 40-year-old man who was allegedly pushed off his bicycle by a group of teenagers.
During the 2024 troubles, police issued 55 formal eviction notices to teenagers involved in disruptive behaviour. The scale of the problems has prompted a coordinated approach this year, with local officers receiving support from the State Operations Command Centre to monitor real-time incidents across the island.
Parents Urged to Take Responsibility
Police Minister Reece Whitby emphasized the crucial role parents play in preventing a repeat of last year's incidents. "Parents must play an active role in ensuring their children understand the importance of responsible behaviour," Mr Whitby stated. "I urge them to remind their children before they travel to Rottnest Island that their actions have consequences."
The Rottnest Island Authority has already begun notifying guests booked to stay on the island between December 5 and 16, 2025, warning them about the potential for anti-social behaviour during this period. The advisory email explicitly states that this is not a sanctioned event and alerts visitors to expect increased security measures.
Visitors during the affected period will notice enhanced security including additional CCTV coverage, rangers, after-hours police officers, and security personnel. The authority emphasized that personal safety remains a shared responsibility between all island visitors and the community.
Sergeant Wear concluded with a direct appeal to families: "We ask parents to take responsibility for their children and ensure they are not engaging in violent or antisocial behaviour that puts themselves and others at risk."
