SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens says ‘several’ people arrested were from APY Lands

Fears are on the rise within the public as CBD crime climbs and SA’s top cop calls on more support for the force.

Six police officers were injured and a dozen people, aged 14 to 49, were arrested, following a spate of incidents across Adelaide’s CBD on Sunday night. Picture: Matt Loxton

• Arrests after brawl on bus at Thebarton

Police are calling for improved support services in response to a series of violent disturbances in the Adelaide CBD over the weekend, which saw 12 people arrested between Sunday night and early Monday morning.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said “several” of the 12 people arrested were from the APY Lands.

“I have heard that there are some from Alice Springs but I can’t confirm,” he said.

It is the latest incident near the CBD which followed a brawl on a bus at Thebarton on New Year’s Day which resulted in 19 people arrested, including some from Central Australia.

The recent violence in the CBD “highlights the risks faced by police officers every day”, Mr Stevens said.

Multiple arrests after a brawl an a bus in George St, Thebarton. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“When they commence duty, they are putting themselves in harm’s way to protect members of the public and incidents like this, affrays, acts of violence, certainly impact the wellbeing of police,” Mr Stevens said.

The arrests in the CBD, involving individuals aged 14 to 49, were linked to a variety of offences, including assaulting emergency workers, public fighting, disorderly behaviour, and possession of a knife in a public place.

Multiple arrests after a brawl an a bus in George St, Thebarton. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Five of those arrested were sprayed with OC spray during the incidents, which occurred across multiple locations including North Tce, Grenfell St, Festival Plaza and King William Rd.

Two police officers were injured, requiring hospital treatment, while four others sustained minor injuries.

In an interview with FIVEAA, Acting Assistant Commissioner John De Candia expressed frustration over the growing issue, particularly in the North Tce railway station precinct.

Mr De Candia highlighted the strain on police resources and the high levels of intoxication among those causing disturbances.

“We’re really frustrated,” he said. “We’ve been dealing with numerous calls for police resources in the area for some time.”

Acting Assistant Commissioner John De Candia said more support is needed to respond to an influx of people in the city. Picture: Dean Martin

In response to the rising crime and anti-social behaviour, Attorney-General Kyam Maher has extended the “Declared Public Precinct” in the Adelaide CBD until July 2025, providing police with enhanced powers to tackle crime in high-traffic areas.

The new rules, which cover areas such as North Terrace, Rundle Mall, and the Riverbank, will allow police to enforce stricter controls during peak hours.

Despite these efforts, concerns from the public continue to mount.

Nicola Bini, a 20-year-old full-time university student from Morphett Vale, explained that she no longer visits the city at night after being attacked in the past. “I’ve been attacked in the city a few times and a few of my friends have as well,” she said. “It’s just not safe.”

Businesses owners along Grenfell St and North Tce are also worried about the long-term impact of the violence on trade. One business owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said he often heard fights at night.

“We often hear arguments... it’s normally a group of people” they said.

Harvey, a 46-year-old father of three from Aldinga Beach, voiced his frustration with the ongoing violence.

“These days it’s almost a daily occurrence - youth involved in fights and theft in and around the city,” he said. “It discourages people from wanting to go to the city or even out in general.”

Originally published as SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens says ‘several’ people arrested were from APY Lands