More cop patrols in Rundle Mall as store owner says businesses are scared
A fed-up Rundle Mall store owner – sick of constant shoplifting attacks in the area – has issued a stern warning to criminals and called for a long-term crime solution to prevent a “disaster”.
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A brave owner of a Rundle Mall store has delivered a stern warning to shoplifters amid outrage at rising crime in the popular Adelaide strip, after two terrifying incidents this week – one that left a worker unconscious.
Shannon Aistrope, owner and manager of Nike Rundle Mall, said he wasn’t “afraid to speak up” about shoplifters who target CBD businesses daily, costing hundreds of dollars a week.
“They (the shoplifters) hate being challenged, but I’m a small-business owner so I will challenge them,” the 49-year-old said.
“I’m not the only one. I’m probably the one that grabbed the bull by the horns and said ‘we need to address this’, but I’m not the only one. If you steal from me, I’ll call you out.”
On Wednesday, two men walked into Foot Locker Rundle Mall wielding an axe and confronted frightened staff before stealing a shirt and running away.
On Monday, a 15-year-old girl was arrested and charged after a worker at Rundle Mall’s Rebel sport store was knocked out with a stool and rushed to hospital. The girl was denied bail in Youth Court on Tuesday.
Mr Aistrope called on the state government to find a solution, saying there was no point in having attractions with hotels, festivals and sport when there was a considerable amount of disturbance from criminals harassing visitors and locals.
“The solution is, we need a pragmatic approach led by the state government, Rundle Mall management, Adelaide City Council and SAPOL to come up with some sort of long-term solution to prevent a disaster occurring,” he told The Advertiser.
“Someone will get killed and it will be a disaster.
“The reality is, something needs to be drastically done to reduce the crime. It’s a significant issue with gangs and the violence emerging in Rundle Mall. They’re causing a general nuisance in the mall … to everyone.”
His call came as police revealed they were holding their regular Business Watch meeting on Thursday, where the issue of rising crime and retailer safety in the city is expected to be high on the agenda.
Then just before 8.30am SA Police put out a media release announcing patrols would be increased in the Rundle Mall area “to provide a highly visible and responsive presence”.
“This will provide a level of community reassurance and deterrence to would-be shop theft offenders,” the release said.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said SA Police have responded to the recent spate of crime and is trying to minimise the theft.
“I know that South Australian Police will boost their resources and they have been increasing their activity in and around the CBD along with areas of concern,” Mr Malinauskas said at a press conference on Wednesday.
“I hope that is something that will be maintained.”
SA Police told The Advertiser they are investigating today’s axe incident.
“Police are looking at CCTV and obtaining witness’ statements in order to identify and apprehend those responsible for today’s incident.”
“Whilst this incident is unfortunate and certainly not acceptable, police are working with the community and retailers in order to apprehend those responsible as quickly as we can.”
They also shared their intentions of increasing police with the backing of the Eastern District team.
“Police would like to reassure the public that SAPOL have a regular presence in and around Rundle Mall which also includes regular attendance by police from outside of the Eastern District.”
Andrew White, Adelaide Economic Development Agency’s executive manager of Rundle Mall, said an increased presence by SA Police in the precinct “would be welcomed”.
“Adelaide Economic Development Agency is working to increase security coverage in Rundle Mall,” he said.
“Retailers are invited to attend regular briefings with SA Police to provide feedback and discuss issues of concern.”
Mr Aistrope said this week’s violent incidents highlighted the problems faced by the mall.
“It’s out of control,” he said. “They know they can get away with it.”
The manager of a nearby store, who requested to remain anonymous, said their store had been targeted constantly since they arrived in 2019.
“It happens a few times each week,” they said. “In the mall, none of us feel safe. We voice it all the time but then the police – they do what they can and they’re amazing when they’re here – but they’re not here enough and it sucks … it really does.
“You want to kick them (the shoplifters) out but at the same time, how do you know you’re not going to get hit in the face? I don’t want to get punched in the face at work.”
The manager felt there was both an urgent need for more police presence in the mall and more suitable punishment for shoplifters.
“The punishment needs to fit the crime,” they said.
“A lot of these kids – and adults – are known to police. They get arrested, are out on bail a week later and they’re doing what they’re doing again. It’s just a joke.”
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Originally published as More cop patrols in Rundle Mall as store owner says businesses are scared
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