A high visibility policing operation at Westfield Marion has resulted in multiple arrests, reports and the recovery of thousands of dollars worth of stolen property.
On Thursday 8 October, officers from Southern District, supported by Public Transport Patrol officers, conducted a coordinated Day of Action at the shopping centre and surrounding transport hub.
Police maintained a strong presence throughout the precinct between 11am and 9pm, with approximately 30 officers deployed across the operation.
The focus of the operation was to deter offending, identify active offenders, community safety and engage with shoppers, retailers and transport users.
During the operation, police arrested nine people, reported a further eight offenders, conducted 49 metal detector searches and recovered approximately $3,200 worth of stolen goods, highlighting the proactive and high-visibility approach taken by officers to deter offending and enhance community safety. A number of people also received expiations for offences involving controlled substances and general behavioural offences.
Southern District officers identified and apprehended several alleged shop thieves during the day.
An 18-year-old Adelaide man was arrested after allegedly stealing clothing from a retail store within the centre. Police located the man inside the shopping complex and recovered the stolen items. He was charged with theft and bailed to appear in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on 2 November.
A 42-year-old Morphett Vale woman was arrested in the shopping centre car park after allegedly stealing clothing from six different stores. Police located numerous stolen items in her possession, with tags still attached. She was charged with five counts of theft and one count of unlawful possession and bailed to appear in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on 2 November.
A 55-year-old Holden Hill woman was also arrested after allegedly leaving a supermarket without paying for a number of grocery items. Police located her within the centre while she was still in possession of the goods. She was charged with theft and bailed to appear in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on 2 November.
High visibility operations such as this send a clear message that criminal behaviour in our shopping centres and public transport hubs will not be tolerated.
These operations not only result in arrests and the recovery of stolen property, they provide reassurance to shoppers, retailers and visitors that South Australia Police is committed to keeping our community safe.
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