Youths target Ceduna Caltex roadhouse armed with rocks and slingshots

An Eyre Peninsula roadhouse has been targeted by youths four times in three days as locals call for backup to growing crime issues.

An Eyre Peninsula roadhouse has become the victim of incessant armed attacks and robberies allegedly perpetrated by youths, while locals look for a solution.

The regional town of Ceduna – located almost 790km northwest of Adelaide – has experienced four criminal incidents at its local Caltex service station within the span of three days.

The first incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, when a group of youths were refused entry into the shop, prompting one teenager to fire a stone from a slingshot at a staff attendant.

As a result, the male staff member suffered minor injuries.

About half an hour later, the group consisting of six youths returned and attempted to gain entry into the store again.

Ceduna Caltex has been targeted by youths four times in three days. Picture: Google Maps

This time they all started throwing rocks against the windows.

Local patrols attended and arrested three youths while the rest ran away.

A 12-year-old boy from Ceduna and a 15-year-old from Yalata were charged with being unlawfully on premises and will appear in court in early April.

A 14-year-old boy from Ceduna, who allegedly fired the slingshot, was charged with assault, carrying an offensive weapon and breach of bail; he was refused bail and has appeared in court on February.

Following the slingshot incident, The Advertiser can reveal the service station suffered another two robberies on Monday and one on Tuesday – all believed to be committed by youths.

It is understood they solely stole food items.

A long-term local, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said thefts from the service station had become “an everyday thing” and “there’s nothing authorities can do about it”.

“They’re really brazen in their stealing,” he said.

“Kids go into the servo – if they can get in that is – and they just grab whatever they want and stuff their pockets or bags full of stuff.

“And it’s hard because we don’t know what to do … it’s mostly up to the parents to step up.”

Meanwhile, an SA Police spokesman said investigations were continuing into recent incidents.

“No further arrests have been made at this stage,” he said.

“Local police continue to work collaboratively with community leaders, government and non-government agencies to prevent and reduce crime to keep the community safe … (and) people responsible for criminal offending will be investigated and held to account for their actions.”

The police spokesman said they monitor their staffing level in Ceduna on a “daily basis” and arrange for “additional resources” from within the Eyre Western Local Service Area or other “specialised” areas when there is a large event in the area.

Police also increase crime prevention messaging, highlighting the need for vigilance for security to prevent opportunistic thefts, during the summer period.

Originally published as Youths target Ceduna Caltex roadhouse armed with rocks and slingshots