Theft is being stamped out across the state as SAPOL continues to crack cases through targeted investigations into criminals who steal vehicles and other valuable items.
SAPOL’s October crime statistics show almost 7000 fewer theft offences occurred in comparison to the same 12-month period over 2019/20.
The huge 12% drop takes into consideration a wide variety of offences including the theft of vehicles, which significantly affects innocent members of the community.
Recently, Western District police officers arrested a man over a cache of stolen items and vehicles worth approximately $150,000. The 27-year-old man from Cowandilla has been charged with serious criminal trespass, theft, breach of bail and unlawful possession of prescribed equipment.
SAPOL conducted investigations into the man and his associates over a month-long period before recovering vehicles, industrial equipment and appliances.
“This type of targeted police work is making South Australia’s streets safe and secure,” Minister for Police Vincent Tarzia said.
“COVID-19 has created challenges for all South Australians, and it would be devastating to fall victim to individuals who think they can just take what they want.
“The Marshall Liberal Government’s additional $93.2 million investment in SAPOL through the 2020-21 State Budget is making a difference.
“The significant pool of funding means more resources and greater capability for SAPOL to keep South Australians safe and secure – and to put law-breakers in handcuffs.”
Enormous drops in the overall crime trend continue to be a centrepiece of SAPOL’s monthly crime statistics and highlight the incompetence of the previous Labor Government. The latest data shows a staggering 16,890 fewer offences were committed when compared to the same period a decade ago.
Today’s statistics show a 5% increase in Total Offences Against the Person. As a result of legislative and system changes to the recording of these particular offences, they do not reflect an actual increase in offending.
A 61% plummet in Common Assault offences and 30% drop in Serious Criminal Trespass crimes against residences were recorded. Other Offences Against the Person decreased by 24%, while Robbery and Related Offences dived 15%.
Offences against Person and Property dipped by more than 10,300 crimes, while a downward trend for Serious Criminal Trespass shows no signs of slowing down with an 18% drop – an extra 4% on September’s crime statistics.
