Adelaide Diesel Centre employees fear for their lives after shocking year of violent crimes

The employee of a popular Adelaide service centre had his arm broken and allegedly came face-to-face with the barrel of a gun in a series of violent incidents at his workshop.

Threats made by knife-wielding thugs and an alleged violent robbery at gunpoint have left Wingfield-based Adelaide Diesel Centre employees “fearing for their lives”.

The 15-year-old business that specialises in diesel vehicle repairs and turbocharger services has been unable to operate at full capacity with fears they’ll be forced to close.

During the most recent incident on December 12, two men entered the premises and demanded money from long-term business consultant and adviser, John Nitschke.

CCTV captured two men threatening staff at Adelaide Diesel Centre at Wingfield during an incident on December 12. Picture: Supplied

Mr Nitschke, 62, said the offenders, who were caught on CCTV, had a knife.

The incident comes just six months after his arm was broken when two men ambushed him from behind as he left the premises at the end of the day and assaulted him with a club-like weapon.

Mr Nitschke said he thought the ambush was an isolated incident, until the following month he allegedly came face-to-face with the barrel of a gun.

He said that in July last year, three men allegedly kicked down the doors and started stealing equipment worth thousands of dollars in a “terrifying” raid.

A SA Police spokesman confirmed an investigation by Western District Detectives had resulted in the arrest of a 36-year-old man from Elizabeth East who was charged with aggravated robbery over the July incident.

The man was denied bail and will appear in court at a later date.

The police spokesman said three further incidents at the business were also under investigation.

Adelaide Diesel Centre at Wingfield fears it will be forced to close after being overrun by crime and robberies that have brought the business to its knees. Picture: RoyVPhotography

During one of the subsequent incidents in November, Mr Nitschke said his personal watch collection worth $400,000 was stolen from the centre.

Two nights before the robbery, Mr Nitschke said his tyres were also slashed in what he suspects was a premeditated plan.

Mr Nitschke and his colleague believed they were being targeted by a former employee and their associates.

“Where’s the law and order?” he said.

“You work hard, you pay your tax, do the right thing and this is what potentially could happen to you.”

The director of the business, who didn’t want to be named, said they felt powerless and feared for their life.

“I’m just sick of it,” they said.