A number of youths have been charged following a protracted investigation by police from the Operation Mandrake team.
Between Saturday 2 December to Tuesday 26 December a number of serious criminal trespass, theft and motor vehicle offences across metropolitan Adelaide were reported to police. The offences which mostly occurred in the Eastern and Western suburbs involved a group of youths wandering suburban streets checking doors of houses and cars to see if they were unlocked.
Personal items like keys and wallets were targeted in the thefts, with vehicles also being stolen and taken for ‘joy rides’.
As a result of the investigation, officers from Operation Mandrake, with the assistance of local patrols and STAR Group officers arrested and charged seven teenagers.
-On Monday 11 December a 17-year-old Port Lincoln boy was located and arrested at a Taperoo address. He was charged with a number of aggravated serious criminal trespass and theft offences. He was refused bail to appear in the Adelaide Youth Court on 18 January 2024.
-On Thursday 14 December a 17-year-old Port Lincoln boy and 15-year-old Parafield Gardens boy were located at a Blair Athol address and charged with a number of aggravated serious criminal trespass and theft offences. They were refused bail to appear in the Adelaide Youth Court on 12 January 2024.
-On Saturday 16 December a 15-year-old Mile End boy was located at a Holden Hill address and charged with a number of aggravated serious criminal trespass and theft offences. He was bailed, however arrested again on Tuesday 26 December. He was refused bail to appear in the Adelaide Youth Court on 15 January 2024
-On Tuesday 26 December a 15-year-old Devon Park boy was located at a Holden Hill address and charged with a number of aggravated serious criminal trespass and theft offences. He was refused bail to appear in the Adelaide Youth Court on 24 January 2024.
-On Tuesday 26 December a 17-year-old Mile End boy was located at a Blair Athol address and charged with a number of aggravated serious criminal trespass and theft offences. He was refused bail to appear in the Adelaide Youth Court on 24 January 2024.
-On Tuesday 26 December a 16-year-old Albert Park boy was located at a Holden Hill address and charged with three counts of breach of bail. He was bailed to appear in the Port Lincoln Youth Court on 10 January 2024.
Anyone with further information that may assist the ongoing investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.
Please visit the following link for safety and security tips for your home and vehicle: SAPOL – Safety and security tips (police.sa.gov.au)
