Crime surge hits cops as officer’s SAPOL car ransacked in Hallett Cove driveway

Police have launched an investigation after SAPOL gear – including handcuffs and a baton – was stolen from an off-duty officer’s driveway in a brazen theft.

Police have launched an investigation after brazen thieves ransacked a police vehicle at an off-duty officer’s home – raising questions over how they were able to make off with official equipment.

At some time between 11.30pm on Wednesday and 6.30am on Thursday, a load bearing vest, a pair of handcuffs and a baton were stolen from a police vehicle parked in the driveway of an off-duty officer’s Hallett Cove home.

Police are now searching for the stolen property. No arrests have been made.

An SA Police spokesperson said the storage and security of all property used by police officers was subject to strict guidelines and the circumstances of the theft were under investigation.

A load bearing vest, a pair of handcuffs and a baton were stolen from a police vehicle parked in the driveway of an off-duty officer’s Hallett Cove home. Picture: Keryn Stevens

The theft comes after two people were arrested over a series of unrelated home break-ins across the Adelaide metro area, including the home of popular radio host Stacey Lee.

FIVEAA afternoons host and former TV newsreader Lee’s eastern suburbs home was one of five properties broken into in a series of alleged offences from March 16 to April 8.

Police said three suspects were at the property from which Lee estimated tens of thousands of dollars worth of items – including sentimental jewellery and the keys to a white Toyota Yaris – were stolen.

Two people – a 42-year-old man of no fixed address and a 22-year-old Maylands woman, have been charged with a number of offences over the alleged crime spree.