Police release computer-generated image of man who allegedly stole $30,000 from CWA at the Royal Adelaide Show

Police are searching for a callous thief who stole thousands of dollars from the CWA at the Royal Show, the victim collapsing in front of her colleagues.

Sharyn Muller, deputy state CWA president on a happier occasion, proudly showing off scones at the Royal Show this year. Picture: Brenton Edwards

A charity worker robbed by a man while working at a cafe at the Royal Adelaide Show says she collapsed in front of colleagues after the frightening ordeal.

Country Women’s Association deputy state president Sharyn Muller was transferring money from a till at the cafe when the incident happened just before 8pm on September 6.

She believed the man – of whom police released a computer generated image on Monday – was keeping her under surveillance before following her into the treasurer’s tent.

“I actually noticed a man a couple of times acting a little bit strange outside the fence of our area,” she said.

He approached Ms Muller who was alone in the tent and demanded cash.

She placed $30,000 in the suspect’s dark-blue-coloured backpack and then he left the area on foot, through the showgrounds and out of sight.

“After the incident I collapsed in front of the other staff who were working in the cafe at the time and I think that’s when they realised something serious had happened,” she said.

Ms Fuller was not physically injured and no weapons were sighted.

“It’s caused everyone who was there a fair bit of emotional trauma,” she said.

The suspect is described as being of caucasian appearance, aged in his 40s and about 165cm tall with grey or black facial hair.

Police have released a computer-generated image of a man involved in a theft at the Royal Adelaide Show. Picture: SA Police

The man had a distinctive horizontal scar above his left eyebrow and tattoos on his left forearm.

He was wearing black jeans, a black top with a Led Zeppelin logo on the front, a green cap and was carrying a blue backpack.

Ms Muller said police had been very diligent in their efforts to catch the man.

“Everyone from those officers, to security, to the association and the show society, they have all showed so much care and made us feel like they were there for us,” she said.

“I just hope this man realises exactly what he has done and who he has stolen from.”

Despite the emotional rollercoaster of the past two weeks, Ms Muller said she was determined to keep “forging on”.

“From every negative you have to find a positive and this incident has just highlighted our resilience as an organisation,” she said.

“We have just had so much support. When the chips are down, we are always there for each other.”

Ms Muller took to social media to praise the efforts of volunteers and thank the community for their support.

“What a fabulous effort. Thank you to everyone who offered support and love to all of us involved in the theft on Tuesday evening of the show,” she wrote.

“Despite the trauma, the association showed how resilient and resourceful we really are. Pulling together and getting on with the job.

“Personally I am doing much better as a result of the hugs, flowers and big love given to me. SAPOL have been amazed at how I and the others have coped.”

Eastern District Detectives are investigating the incident and are asking anyone with information that may assist to please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.