The Highway Thirsty Camel bottle shop targeted for the second time in seven days

An Adelaide bottle shop has been allegedly robbed for the second time in seven days, this time by a woman with an eye-popping hairstyle.

The bottle shop at Plympton has been targeted for the second time in just a few days. Picture: 7NEWS

An Adelaide bottle-shop has been robbed for the second time in seven days, after a woman allegedly threatened staff with a screwdriver before stealing alcohol on Monday night.

A staff member was stabbed with scissors during a separate alleged robbery last week, while another worker suffered a dislocated knee and has just been discharged from hospital after surgery.

It comes as experts say more bottle-os are being targeted for “brazen” violent robberies.

Police were called to The Highway Thirsty Camel bottle-o on Anzac Highway just after 10.30pm on Monday after reports a woman robbed the store after entering and threatening workers with the weapon.

Martin Palmer, who owns Thirsty Camel at the Highway Hotel, said when staff tried to take the stolen goods off her “she threatened them with a screwdriver”.

Patrols searched the area but could not find the suspect, who police described as being of Aboriginal appearance, and aged about 30 with “bluish-purple” hair.

Mr Martin said Monday’s shoplifting incident “was probably no different than 30 or 40 we have every year.”

“That wouldn’t be any different than probably any major bottle shop anywhere through Adelaide,” he said.

“I don’t believe that we’re particularly unique in this situation.”

He said the threatened staff members were being monitored to ensure they were okay.

It comes after two men and a 15-year-old were arrested for allegedly stealing liquor from the same bottle shop and assaulting staff on January 14.

Bottle shop workers have come off second best after confronting a group of thieves at Plympton last week. Picture: 7NEWS

Mr Palmer said last week’s incident was an “impulsive, violent act”, where three of his staff members were injured, including one man who was stabbed with a pair of scissors.

He said another staff member – who suffered a dislocated knee and had to be taken to the Flinders Medical Centre – has “just gotten out of hospital” after surgery.

Security camera footage showed the brazen thieves allegedly attacking staff over a four-pack of vodka drinks before fleeing the scene.

Police arrested a 43-year-old man of no fixed address on Friday, charging him with aggravated robbery. The other two people had previously appeared in court.

Mr Palmer said they had security measures, including guards, appropriate number of staff on and CCTV.

“It’s almost impossible for us to take additional (measures), short of making the whole retail experience completely insufferable for 98 per cent of the people who come and shop at the store,” he said.

Speaking on FIVEAA on Tuesday, Australian Hotels Association SA branch chief executive Anna Moeller said the industry was experiencing an increase of liquor thefts

“One of the things that is the most notable about it is the absolute brazenness of these people,” she said.

“If they don’t come equipped with a weapon which they often do, as soon as they pick up a bottle of alcohol they have one in their hand.”

Ms Moeller said outlets might be seen as soft targets for thieves with staff trained to not intervene in the interest of safety.

“Unfortunately these people are taking advantage of that,” she said.

“(But) industry is doing what it can, a lot of them have security guards on, a lot of stuff is now under lock and key, the layout of the store can help.”

She said the government had introduced tougher penalties including up to seven years’ jail but it was up to the courts to enforce those penalties.

“When you’ve got these characters who are committing these crimes on the third or fourth time that they are out on bail, they are actually getting a mandatory jail term,” she said.

Mr Palmer said he would “100 per cent support” mandatory jail terms for repeat offenders.

Anyone who witnessed the latest theft, any suspicious behaviour in the area or has any dashcam, CCTV or information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.