Security guard and martial arts expert Vince Palumbo reported over small wooden baton

An Adelaide security guard who has protected the community for almost four decades is facing jail time for carrying a defensive weapon, smaller than a ruler, to defend against armed thugs.

Security guard and martial arts expert Vincent Palumbo has been reported for carrying an offensive weapon. Picture: Brett Hartwig

A security guard with almost 40 years’ experience faces the prospect of being jailed for carrying a small wooden baton while working at a suburban Adelaide shopping centre.

Martial arts expert Vince Palumbo was reported for carrying an offensive weapon while he was working at an inner-west shopping centre in October, after a member of the public complained to police.

The 59-year-old has since left his job providing protection at Romeo’s Foodland, saying he doesn’t feel safe without the 20cm balsa wood baton.

He faces a maximum penalty of a $2500 fine or six months behind bars if found guilty.

“It’s just so hurtful seeing my wife and daughter in tears, as they think I’m going to jail,” Mr Palumbo said.

“I bust my arse everyday to protect people, I work hard and this is what they do to me.

“I’ve been treated like a criminal when I haven’t broken any laws, they’ve put me through hell.”

Vincent now faces potential jail time or a $2500 fine. Picture: Brett Hartwig

The father-of-one is a 32-time world champion in stick fighting and holds black belts in taekwondo, jiu-jitsu and judo, making him one of the most experienced martial artists in Australia.

He also operates his own martial arts academy and has trained police officers and special forces across Australia and overseas in how to use a baton as a defensive weapon.

He said police ticked off on the use of the non-extendable baton in 2022, as it is not a prohibited weapon, but have stopped answering his calls.

Since being reported, Mr Palumbo has apprehended two armed suspects, one who was threatening staff with a machete and another who was approaching him with a screwdriver and a knife.

Frank Pangallo is calling for more powers for shopping centre security guards. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Emma Brasier

He said it was only a matter of time before someone was killed in a South Australian shopping centre.

“I promised myself that what happened at Bondi would never happen to me. I need to go home to my family,” he said.

“I have the right, like everyone on this earth, to protect myself.

“We had to call the police six times when we had a bloke threaten us with a machete, but they never came out.

“If the cavalry isn’t coming, I’ll be my own cavalry.”

Independent MLC Frank Pangallo is proposing changes to legislation that would allow security guards to have beefed-up powers, including the ability to carry batons, hand cuffs and pepper spray.

They also would be able to search and detain people before handing them over to police.

Mr Pangallo said security guards were the first line of defence across Adelaide and needed additional measures to protect the community when police couldn’t be there.

“Observing and reporting wouldn’t have been useful in a situation like the Bondi Junction attack,” Mr Pangallo said.

“These people are running amok in our shopping centres, bottle shops, streets, as they know they can get away with it.

“These young criminals will graduate into more serious criminals if there isn’t a deterrent.”

Guards would have to undergo strict police screening and hold a valid security licence before they were given these proposed extra powers.

Mr Pangallo said it was “ridiculous” that Mr Palumbo had been reported for doing his job.

“He comes across every type of scumbag on his job, they’ve spat on him, threatened him with knives, but he essentially can’t do anything,” he said.

“You might as well convict pensioners who use walking sticks if you are going to do that.”

SA Police and Romeo’s Foodland did not respond to questions from The Advertiser.