Westfield Marion worker headbutted, police release CCTV footage

Police released images of an alleged suspect after a worker was hurt in the latest of a series of violent retail incidents across Adelaide this week.

Police are investigating an assault that occurred at a shopping centre at Oaklands Park. Picture: SA Police

Police are searching for a man after he allegedly headbutted a worker at a popular western suburbs shopping centre.

It’s alleged the man entered a store just before 10am on Wednesday and headbutted a worker who suffered minor injuries.

Police described the man to be of caucasian appearance, aged in his 20s, with a slim build who was wearing a blue shirt, light coloured shorts, white socks and sandals.

Anyone who recognises the suspect is asked to contact Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or call 1800 333 000.

This comes after retailers on Rundle Mall have spoken to media about the prevalence of theft following the violent assault on a worker at Rebel.

Police seen leaving the Rebel sport store in Rundle Mall. Picture Kelly Barnes

The store was forced to close on Monday after the worker was knocked unconscious after a 15-year-old girl was allegedly caught shoplifting.

The female employee was taken to hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Store manager at Beaudelle Shoe Repairs Jason, in an arcade off Rundle Mall, said he has been forced to spent close to $5000 on security measures.

“There’s always been an element of shoplifting to the CBD but I think in the last 24 months there’s been an alarming rise of crime,” he said.

Jason of Beaudelle shop in one of the arcades, has experienced theft from his shop. Picture: Dean Martin

“And it’s everyone that’s doing it, you can’t pinpoint it to a singular group because I’ve seen groups of middle-aged woman enter the store with an organised intent of stealing and I’ve seen young kids just grabbing things too.

“But it’s shocking how bold the thieves are, they absolutely have no shame and often do things openly because they feel like they can’t be punished – and they’re right – there’s too many of them.”

Jason said there was an incident in which a group of women walked into the store and took several leather handbags totalling a loss of about $1000.