The Opposition is calling for increased police presence at South Australian shopping centres ahead of the busy Christmas and New Year shopping period – as shocking new data emerges showing police are being called to the Adelaide’s busiest shopping precincts up to 40 times each week.
The data, which was released to the Opposition under Freedom of Information, shows that police were called to Westfield Marion, Westfield Tea Tree Plaza, Elizabeth Shopping Centre, Arndale Shopping Centre and Rundle Mall for thousands of incidents during 2024.
Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia emphasised that community safety at major shopping centres is of upmost importance – especially during peak periods such as Christmas, Boxing Day and over the New Year.
"Considering that police are being called to our major shopping centres multiple times a day, we need to consider additional officers at these precincts throughout the Christmas period," Mr Tarzia said.
"We have seen a troubling increase in everything from shoplifting to violent incidents, such as knife fights, at our local shopping centres. Only this week there have been a number of violent brawls erupt in broad daylight, putting innocent shoppers at risk.”
Shadow Minister for Police, Correctional Services and Community Safety, Jack Batty added that in light of increasing criminal behaviour at shopping centres across Adelaide, a stronger police presence is critical.
“It is unclear whether there were any police available to be dispatched to a violent brawl in Rundle Mall this week,” Mr Batty said.
“Labor’s police recruitment and retention crisis now looks like it is resulting in brawls in malls.
“What’s worse, is that these people are repeat youth offenders who only months ago allegedly carried out a machete attack in Rundle Mall. The Government must immediately take action to ensure the South Australia’s premier shopping destination is safe for shoppers this Christmas.
“Increased cops in shops would be a highly visible deterrent and make our community feel safer as they go about their Christmas shopping or visit the New Year sales.
“You shouldn’t have to go about your Christmas shopping fearing a machete attack or thinking you could get caught up in a brawl of wild thugs.
“Often when crime and anti-social behaviour occurs, shopping centre security guards are somewhat limited in how they can respond. Increased active police patrols at shopping centres would allow quicker responses when incidents arise.
“Crime is out of control under Labor, South Australians no longer feel safe going to work or doing their shopping. We need to do everything we can to protect retail workers and shoppers this Christmas.”
