Police raid at Woodville North turns up stolen trailer, Holden ute

Two men have been charged after a police raid in Woodville ended with a surprise return to a dumbfounded Adelaide carer.

James Evers-Watson and son, Toby, 8, were resilient after the theft of the trailer, but its return has given them a new opportunity. Picture: Dean Martin

A northern suburbs carer is working to give back after his stolen trailer was found during a police investigation that also uncovered weapons and drugs.

James Evers-Watson announced on social media the 10x5 trailer used by his NDIS-partnered business, Watson Care, had been allegedly stolen from his front yard on Wednesday, May 8.

At the time, Mr Evers-Watson told the Advertiser he was “taking responsibility” for the trailer being stolen overnight from his Salisbury property.

“I don’t get bitter, and I can learn from the situation on what to do next time,” the 31-year-old said.

But on Saturday, Mr Evers-Watson received a call to say the trailer had been located.

“We were a little unsure for a while that we would get it back, we had heard so many stories from people that never saw their stuff again,” he said.

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The trailer was one of two allegedly stolen vehicles located in the western suburbs. Picture: Facebook

A SAPOL spokeswoman said officers attended a property in Woodville North and located two allegedly stolen vehicles – a trailer and a Holden ute.

Officers seized both vehicles to return them to the relevant owners.

While on scene, police allegedly discovered prescribed hydroponic equipment, a quantity of the drug GHB, a baton and a taser.

Two men were arrested at the scene.

A 44-year-old Woodville North man was charged with theft, possessing prescribed equipment, possession of a controlled drug and weapons offences and is due to appear in court in July.

A 39-year-old Prospect man was also charged with theft and possessing prescribed equipment along with trafficking in a controlled drug and was remanded in custody in Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday.

Mr Evers-Watson said that any donated money would be used to support the community after they rallied behind him through donations and spreading the word. Picture: Dean Martin

With the return of the trailer, Mr Evers-Watson said the company was back at full capacity helping their clients move, clear clutter and share the load.

“Just wanted to say thank you to South Australia Police for all their work … I’m blown away by all the support,” he said.

Now the company is in possession of donated funds received from the community to help replace the trailer – but Mr Evers-Watson said it won’t be used in vain.

“We’ve already given back $300 of donated money, and we will be getting in contact with other donators to see what they want to do with the money,” he said.

“$500 was anonymously donated, so we are planning to use it to give back to the community, we had people recommend we do something for the homeless in the area.

“We want to put together backpacks with food and items to support them, but it will take a few weeks to put together.”

Every one who donated to Watson Care will be named on new signage expected to be fitted to the trailer in the coming weeks as a show of thanks.