Ronik’s Farmers Market at Smithfield trashed after break-in, four youths charged

An Adelaide farmers market owner has been left with a massive damage bill after a group of teens allegedly trashed his store.

A spate of incidents across the northern suburbs over the weekend, has led to four youths, aged 13 to 16, being charged with several offences.

CCTV footage captured the group allegedly trying to break into a store on Main North Rd in Smithfield, as they rammed a shopping trolley into the front door of a shop, around 3.45am on Sunday, January 19.

Shortly after, police said the group tried to break into another business that was nearby, damaging the lock and roller door.

Around the same time, there was a break-in at a Ronik’s Farmers Market on Main North Rd at Smithfield, with the suspects allegedly causing extensive damage to the shop and stealing items.

Four youths, aged 13 to 16, have been charged with several offences after a spate of incidents across the northern suburbs. Picture: 7News

A Ronik’s Farmers Market on Main North Rd at Smithfield was allegedly broken into. Picture: 7News

The suspects had allegedly hurled shopping items around the store, including eggs and fresh produce.

“There was fruit and veg thrown everywhere, glass smashed like bottles of the sauces, they were smashed on all the doors of the fridges and freezers,” the Ronik’s Farmers’ Market owner told 7News.

“We spent nearly a year trying to do this fit out.”

The owner said the damage is estimated around $100,000 in lost equipment, lost stock and sales.

“Police should take strict actions on them so they learn their lesson as well.”

The suspects had allegedly hurled shopping items around the store, including eggs and fresh produce. Picture: 7News

The youths have been charged while a decision on police bail has yet to be determined. Picture: 7News

Later that morning around 5am, four youths entered a service station on Hamblyn Rd at Elizabeth Downs, where they allegedly stole items.

Staff members confronted the group, who were armed with knives and had reportedly threatened the workers.

The suspects managed to flee the store with cigarettes.

An investigation into the incidents led to the arrest of two boys from Craigmore, aged 16 and 13, another 13-year-old boy from Parafield Gardens, and a 14-year-old girl from Paralowie.

They have all been charged with robbery, serious criminal trespass and property damage, while a decision on police bail has yet to be determined.