Operation Meld was established on 1 July 2021 to address an increase in criminal offending by groups of youths in the Eastern District area, predominantly involving robberies, thefts, assaults and public disorder.
Operation Meld has identified two distinct groups of youths known as ‘051’ consisting of persons of interest predominantly from the northern suburbs and ‘Killa Block Squad (KBS)’ from the north eastern suburbs. A majority of the offenders are aged between 16 and 18 years and of African appearance.
An escalation in offending between the two groups has resulted in serious assaults (including stabbings), affrays and property damage.
Whilst the offending is often between the two identified groups, offending against other members of the public has also occurred. This offending involves the theft and robbery robbery of items including electronic devices such as iPhones, apple watches and air-pods. The use of weapons, predominately knifes, was used during the robberies and has been a prominent feature of the aggravation.
There have been over 120 offences which have occurred across metropolitan Adelaide but have had a focus in the northern and western suburbs.
Significant offences to note include:
- 25 June 2021- Large affray at Modbury.
- 28 June 2021- Man assaulted at Semaphore.
- 22 November 2021- Man stabbed in Adelaide.
- 5 January 2022 – Man stabbed in Kilburn.
- 28 January 2022 -Man stabbed in Adelaide.
- 30 January 2022 -Man stabbed in Adelaide.
SAPOL is working closely with the Sudanese community as part of the investigation process as well as in early prevention methods.
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Anyone with information that could assist the Operation Meld investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppers.com.au – you can remain anonymous.
