Dozens of juveniles arrested in Port Augusta police crackdown

Nearly 70 people have arrested – including dozens of kids – as police crack down on a troubled Mid-North town.

Nearly 25 children are among 66 arrests in the past two weeks in a police crackdown on crime in Port Augusta.

Additional officers including dog and mounted patrols are joining local police in a blitz on Port Augusta’s streets in an effort to combat violent and anti-social behaviour, especially among children and teens.

Since the operation began on May 25, there have been 66 arrests, 24 of those juveniles.

The operation has been reviewed on a fortnightly basis and was extended on June 6 for a further two weeks.

Police with some of Port Augusta’s self-proclaimed youth gangs, which include children as young as 10 who roam the streets. Picture: Riley Walter

“This policing operation provides high-visibility policing and we also work with the Liquor Licencing Commissioner and proactively enforce legislation and restrictions,” Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said.

“The operation will also focus on anti-social behaviour, along with continuous engagement with businesses owners and the key stakeholders to reassure the community.”

SA Police is working with other key agencies and the community to address the safety and wellbeing of residents in the area.

It comes after two police officers were injured while trying to break up an out-of-control street fight.

Around 2am on Saturday morning officers tried to move a group along after a Port Augusta pub shut when violence broke out.

An officer was pushed from behind while trying to restrain one of the men.

The attacker was immediately detained when another tried to again stop the officer – that person was capsicum sprayed.

Six people including two men, three women and a young girl, just 17 years old, were arrested on Commercial Rd.