A top Geraldton detective has warned parents their children can write off their job prospects if they delve into a life of stealing.

The warning comes after police revealed a four per cent spike in burglaries for the current financial year.

Last week, two 15-year-old boys and another aged 13 were charged with 26 burglary-related offences allegedly committed at community sports facilities on Eighth St.

The arrests prompted a stern message from Det-Sen. Sgt Tony Longhorn who believed juveniles were “over-represented” in Geraldton’s legal system.

He said parents needed to make their children aware juvenile crime “is not a good road” which could hurt their employment prospects.