Fake police station reignites calls for permanent presence in Australian town

A temporary police station created for filming has intensified calls for a permanent police presence in Boulder, Western Australia, where residents report theft, threats and antisocial behaviour. The heritage-listed courthouse on Burt Street was converted into a fictional police station for the Stan crime series Two Birds. Owners of the neighbouring Grand Hotel, Ronnie and Stephen Maddocks, said the area became noticeably quieter during the three days the set was in place.

The film signage was later removed, but more than 1,000 people have signed a petition calling for a 24-hour shopfront police station. The petition was signed by 1,171 people and tabled in Western Australia’s parliament on September 10. Local business owners described repeated problems.

A licensed-premises worker was allegedly threatened with a hammer while trying to stop a theft, while Stephen Maddocks said he had previously had a knife pulled on him. He also said customers had been attacked after leaving the hotel. Newsagency owner Mike Saville said theft and verbal abuse had become daily problems and called for regular foot patrols.

Former police officer Dave Grills, who once worked on Burt Street, also supported restoring a police post. WA Police said officers respond across Kalgoorlie-Boulder around the clock and regularly patrol Boulder from Kalgoorlie Police Station, about five kilometres away. The force said resources were assessed according to operational demand and safety needs.

Police data recorded 1,742 offences in Boulder in 2025, up from 1,515 in 2024. In the first six months of this year, 1,141 offences had been recorded. Residents say a permanent presence would help restore confidence, while police have not disclosed current staffing levels.