Operation Measure: Eight arrested or reported by day two of major Rundle Mall crime crackdown

Eight alleged offenders have been caught by police by just day two of a major operation to stem soaring crime rates in Rundle Mall. See the details.

Eight people, including three teenagers, have been reported or arrested in just two days after a major police crackdown on youth crime in Rundle Mall.

SA Police increased patrols in the area as part of Operation Measure after a spike in brazen thefts, with heavily armed, specialist police officers trained to responded to terrorism or violent domestic incidents among those deployed.

One store owner warned they believed “someone would get killed” if nothing was done to stop a 30 per cent rise in violent retail crime across the CBD.

In just three days earlier this month, one worker was allegedly knocked unconscious by a 15-year-old girl using a stool, while two men with an axe allegedly robbed a Foot Locker store.

Six people were arrested and two people reported as a result of this week’s operation, which used “highly visibly foot patrols” and the dog operations unit.

On Monday, a 37-year-old man was allegedly found with a large amount of drugs, drug paraphernalia and ID cards, while another wanted 51-year-old Ingle Farm man was arrested for an outstanding warrant and charged with 13 counts of deception and breach of bail.

Police chased down a 16-year-old Northfield boy wearing clothing they allege was stolen from a Rundle Mall sports store about 9.20am on Tuesday. The teenager also had a large machete, police said, and was charged with theft and carrying a prohibited weapon.

Weapons seized by SA Police in a major CBD crime operation. Picture: SA Police

Weapons seized by SA Police in a major CBD crime operation. Picture: SA Police

Later that day, a 41-year-old Salisbury Park man was charged after police discovered him on an allegedly stolen bike carrying bolt cutters, an angle grinder and various tools.

A 14-year-old Campbelltown boy was arrested a short time later, allegedly in possession of a knife, two balaclavas, gloves and a woman’s handbag.

He was arrested and charged with carry offensive weapon, carry article of disguise and unlawful possession.

Also on Tuesday, a 37-year-old Adelaide man was arrested after allegedly being found with methamphetamine, while a 17-year-old Edwardstown girl was reported after police allegedly discovered her in possession of cannabis and drug paraphernalia.

A positive drug dog indication also led to a 44-year-old Dover Gardens man being reported for a small quantity of meth.

Last week, Andrew White, Adelaide Economic Development Agency’s executive manager of Rundle Mall, said the increased presence by SA Police in the precinct “would be welcomed”.

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.”

Anyone with information about shoplifting, including aggression towards retail staff, can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Operation Measure: Eight arrested or reported by day two of major Rundle Mall crime crackdown