Crime Stoppers campaign releases 24 photos of suspected shoplifters

Shoplifting, assaults or credit card fraud – these are the alleged faces of a crime wave targeting liquor, clothing and hardware stores across Adelaide.

A rise in assaults or thefts in liquor stores and petrol stations has led to calls to large employers to review the layouts of their stores to bolster security.

The calls come as Crime Stoppers releases more faces of suspected shoplifters, some accused of assaulting staff who confronted them as part of an ongoing campaign to clamp down on petty crime.

Crime Stoppers SA has released the images online of 24 suspects who police believe are linked to thefts at clothing, hardware and liquor stores.

The allegations against the suspects range from assaults on staff, through to the theft of power tools and, in one instance, the alleged use of a stolen credit card to purchase items.

Some of the suspected shoplifters SA Police want to identify. Pictures: Supplied

Secretary of the SA Shop, Distributing and Allied Employees Association, which represents retail workers, Josh Peak said that liquor store and petrol station workers are particularly likely to be the target of assaults from customers.

“Assault and abuse of workers in retail must stop,” he said.

“Workers are regularly being physically and verbally abused by customers – and we know most incidents go unreported.

“Workers in petrol stations and stand-alone liquor stores are particularly vulnerable.

“Poor design and layout of these workplaces is leaving workers at risk of abuse.”

Mr Peak said the SDA was working SafeWork SA to require employers to review the layouts of their stores to improve the safety of workers.

“Secondary exits, safe rooms and physical barriers are measured should be looked at – but most employers do not,” he said.

“It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure a safe workplace. If there is a known risk, they must take every reasonable step to keep their workers safe.”

During the campaign launched in November last year, Crime Stoppers released the images of 60 suspects.

One of the suspects went so far as handing themselves into police.

THE SUSPECTS YET TO BE IDENTIFIED

Suspected of stealing alcohol from First Choice Liquor at Hindmarsh on June 28, 2023.

Suspected of stealing goods from BWS at Marion on April 17, 2023 and assaulting staff when refused service.

Suspected of stealing clothes from David Jones at Marion on May 5, 2023.

Suspected of stealing power tools from Bunnings at Gawler on May 12, 2023.

Suspected of stealing clothing from the Myer store in Adelaide on June 15, 2023.

Suspected of using a stolen credit card to buy items at OTR in Munno Para on April 5, 2023.

Suspected of stealing goods from The Goods Guys at Gepps Cross on May 6, 2023.

Suspected of stealing goods from Kmart at Munno Para on May 26, 2023.

Suspected of stealing sunglasses from Sunglass Hut at Colonnades on June 10, 2023.

Suspected of stealing items from Liquorland at Oaklands Park on May 2, 2023.

Suspected of stealing electrical items from Bunnings at Parafield on May 10, 2023.

Suspected of stealing groceries from Coles at Ingle Farm on May 18, 2023.

Suspected of stealing a bottle of perfume from Mecca Cosmetica in Adelaide on April 24, 2023.

Suspected of stealing alcohol from BWS at Hollywood Plaza on May 30, 2023.

Suspected of stealing clothing from BCF at Parafield Gardens on May 26, 2023.

Suspected of stealing items from OTR at Alberton on May 11, 2023.

Suspected of stealing bedding from Spotlight at Gepps Cross on June 13, 2023.

Suspected of stealing items from Refreshing Memories in Blair Athol on May 5, 2023.

Suspected of stealing items at BWS Parafield Gardens on February 22, 2023.

Suspected of stealing alcohol from BWS at Munno Parra on February 4, 2023.

Suspected of stealing items from Total Tools and assaulting staff at Lonsdale on February 9, 2023.

Suspected of assaulting staff and attempted theft at BWS in Salisbury on February 7, 2023.

Suspected of stealing groceries from Coles in Ingle Farm and assaulting a staff member when confronted on November 16, 2022.

Suspected of stealing from Myer in Rundle Mall on January 21, 2023 and assaulting staff at Rebel Sport.