Police have been given additional powers to maintain public safety and weapons searches in eight metropolitan shopping centres precincts.
These areas are now Declared Shopping Precincts under the State Government's new legislation allowing police to conduct metal detector searches on any person or their property.
The following areas are now included within Declared Shopping Precincts under the Summary Offences Act 1953:
- Marion Shopping Centre
- Elizabeth Shopping Centre
- Arndale Shopping Centre
- Burnside Village
- Hollywood Plaza
- Parabanks Shopping Centre
- West Lakes Shopping Centre
- Munno Para Shopping Centre
The new powers also enable police to order a person or group posing a risk to public safety and order to leave the shopping precinct for 24 hours. If they re-enter or attempt to there is a maximum penalty of $1250.
These shopping precincts are the first to be declared, but other public events and places which may be declared include a place of worship; a public place holding a public event; a public transport hub; and a public transport service.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Narelle Kameniar said South Australia Police is thankful to have additional powers to protect the community as they frequent different areas of South Australia.
"These laws will give police more tools to prevent crime and remove dangerous weapons from circulation by conducting searches on any person or their property," Assistant Commissioner Kameniar said.
Maps showing the relevant declared areas, which include the above listed shopping centres, can be found on the SAPOL website SAPOL - Declared Public Events and Places. If other areas or events are declared they will also be published on the SAPOL website and in the South Australian Government Gazette.
