Stirling MLA Terry Redman said the “most unfortunate incident” would do nothing to allay Cranbrook residents’ concerns about the capacity of police to respond to violent crimes in the area.

He said he questioned the Police Minister John Kobelke this week over the incident, when the intruder allegedly broke through a back door to gain access while the mother of two was at home with her children.

The intruder left the premises before police could attend.

Mr Redman said the Cranbrook Police Station closure had let down local residents and put police under pressure.

“The Police Minister was unable to justify the response time, but acknowledged in his reply that situations such as this are horrendous and that people look to the police to give them support and protection when such events occur,” he said.

“The necessity for Tambellup and Mt Barker police to travel distances of 30 and 40 kilometres to respond to calls from Cranbrook puts them well and truly behind the eight ball in terms of a rapid response to crime, as this incident clearly demonstrates.

“Despite the Police Minister’s protestations last August, it was always crystal clear to the Cranbrook community that the decision to remove their local officers to Tambellup and Mt Barker would have a negative impact on police response times.”