Shocking surge in CBD bashings and thefts spark demands for crackdown on anti-social behaviour

Surging levels of serious assaults, theft and vandalism in the heart of Adelaide have traders pleading for action. Search 12 years of crime data to see just how bad things have become.

A victim is seriously assaulted, on average, nearly every day in the city or North Adelaide amid rising attacks, shop thefts and property damage, official figures show.

As authorities consider reforming city liquor laws, criminals left victims seriously injured in 352 incidents – a 12-year high across the CBD and North Adelaide.

That’s a 350% increase since the three years from 2015-2017, when the average yearly total of serious assaults causing injury was just 78.Analysis of monthly police data shows the surge of violence is still increasing – there were almost 300 assault-related incidents in January and February this year, 30 more than in 2022.

Police have investigated almost 87,000 city crimes in the past 12 years.

Since 2010, almost 18,300 assault-related crimes occurred across the CBD and North Adelaide along with 25 murders or manslaughter crimes, the data shows.

Property damage crimes, shop or car thefts and stealing vehicles were also at a 12-year high last year, sparking calls for authorities to tackle rising anti-social behaviour.

Problems areas include parts of King William and Hindley streets, Rundle Mall and North Terrace, especially around the railway station or Parliament House.

King William St convenience store owner Marta Rog said many of her customers feel scared.

“We have a problem with the police not turning up at all,” she said.

“Last week we got our door kicked in and the police didn’t come at all.”

Australian Hotels Association SA chief executive officer Ian Horne said there was “increasing tensions between anti-social elements and patrons”.

“Much of this unwelcome behaviour is impacting on our premier tourism and retail areas in the city,” he said. “That’s the harsh reality many in the hospitality industry are grappling with but it also affects the enjoyment for tourists and visitors.”

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said South Australia was “one of the safest places in the world to live”.

“The Adelaide CBD sees thousands of people visit and work on a weekly basis without incident,” he said.

“Unfortunately there are some in the community who behave outside of community expectations.

“(We) want people who do come into the CBD and North Adelaide to enjoy the entertainment precinct but also to behave in a respectable and courteous manner and to feel safe.”

Marta Rog, owner of On The Way Convenience Store in the CBD, says her customers are left feeling scared. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Authorities are considering liquor reforms and scrapping controversial lockout laws, which some traders believe contributes to alcohol-fuelled bad behaviour.

SA Police and Adelaide City Council do not support scrapping the code, introduced in October 2013, which stops patrons entering venues from 3.01am until 7am.

Pubs and nightclubs, who are also subject to other strict laws on serving alcohol, security and patron safety, want it gone.

Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Dini Soulio will consult on any changes next month.

Mr Stevens said police preferred “intelligence led prevention” but supported a West End “Declared Public Precinct” to improve public safety between from 6pm and 6am each Friday and Saturday nights.

He said it gave police additional powers to order, or bar, patrons from the area, issue expiation notices to misbehaving people, use metal detector, undertake drug dog operations and remove vulnerable minors.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said his officers did not support easing the lockout. Picture NCA NewsWire / Emma Brasier

He said an around-the-clock operation in Hindley Street was boosted regularly from a wide range of areas including Licensing Enforcement, State Operations Support branches, Mounted and Dog Operations units, and the heavily armed Security Response Section.

Staffing was also boosted on weekends while CCTV cameras helped monitor crowds. “These measures all assist in limiting anti-social and criminal behaviour,” he said.

Opposition police spokesman Sam Telfer said police shortage and resourcing crisis was occurring amid “skyrocketing” crime.

He said the state government, had the “power” to boost CCTV, which Labor was “always quick to call for” in Opposition.

But Police Minister Joe Szakacs said it was “ironic” the Opposition “had four years to support … recruits amid falling numbers and fell asleep at the wheel”.

He new police recruitment “is doubling” amid low unemployment.

“We are taking a whole of government, multi agency approach to tackle crime in the CBD, including causes,” he said.

Business leaders say the rising anti-social behaviour blighted major events such as the Gather Round where Steele Sidebottom of the Collingwood Magpies is photographed posing with fans after his side’s win against St Kilda. Picture: Michael Klein

Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith said was “community safety is a complex issue and no one agency is able to tackle the issue alone”.

She said initiatives to improve city safety included bystander intervention training, better CCTV and a Hindley Street design overhaul.

“Council works closely with the state government which has a major role to play through its responsibility for law and order, public housing, health and public transport,” she said.

Adelaide West End Association president Taren Hocking said feeling safe leads “to a more prosperous and dynamic city”.

“Creating safe cities is crucial for nurturing thriving communities and businesses,” she said.

“We are passionate about seeing the West End fulfil its potential and believe safety and reputation play a vital role in influencing tourism and visitor opportunities.”