Media Releases

Crime Stoppers SA has been recognised for delivering benchmark crime-solving campaigns at this year’s Crime Stoppers International Awards, after it was announced as winner of the Best Specialised Training Award and Best Media Television Award categories.

Crime Stoppers SA received the awards for a campaign designed to disrupt the local drug trade after the tripling of methamphetamine use in South Australia over a 5-year period, and its unsolved crime segment asking for help to identify a woman wanted for an assault on an Adelaide taxi driver.

Crime Stoppers SA chair, Ms Sharon Hanlon, said the award wins reinforce the very real contribution that the independent not-for-profit continues to make to the safety of South Australians, and its ability to deliver world-leading initiatives despite limited financial resources.

“Our amazing results would not be possible without the support of our valued partners, and special mention goes to Police Credit Union for committing to a significant 3-year partnership in 2017 when we were at a point of concern with our financial position. We also greatly appreciate the significant in-kind support provided by SA Police and the team at Channel 9 Adelaide, who continue to work with us to engage the community and solve crime,” Ms Hanlon said.

“Our Make the Call campaign demonstrates the strong return on investment that we can offer, with the then Labor State Government recognising our capability by funding this highly-successful initiative. Our hope is that our latest award wins encourage others to also get behind Crime Stoppers and provide much-needed financial support to offset our operation costs and fund more campaigns so that we can continue to make a real difference,” she said.

The winning categories for Crime Stoppers SA were:

Best Specialised Training Award – Make The Call campaign

After wastewater analysis found a tripling in use of methamphetamine over a 5-year period in South Australia, Crime Stoppers delivered a 6-month campaign targeting makers and dealers of amphetamine/meth-amphetamine – particularly street level and online dealers.

A comprehensive community engagement campaign – which included a series of regional launches, localised advertising tactics and eye-catching promotional materials – was developed and implemented to encourage people with information about manufacturing and selling of methamphetamine to anonymously contact Crime Stoppers.

Key campaign results included:

• 5 regional community roadshows held in key country locations;
• 4193 contacts regarding illicit drugs (with 1126 of those specifically related to amphetamines);
• 28 persons arrested and 31 reported;
• Five clandestine laboratories shut down;
• 480g of methamphetamine, 7,484mls of fantasy and 300ml of ‘other’ liquid drugs seized;
• Cannabis, cocaine, LSD, cannabis oil, prescription medications and $79,50 cash seized;
• Eight firearms and ammunition located, as well as tasers, batons and knives.

Best Media Television Award – Golden Grove taxi assault

Taxi drivers face a constant barrage of abuse, drunken and aggressive passengers, and regular fare evaders, and that became all too real for one Adelaide driver at about 2am on 1st October 2016.

That ride was the start of what would become a 2-year search to identify his violent female passenger, who refused to pay the fare, punched the driver in the face and ran off after arriving at Golden Grove. Despite clear CCTV imagery of the woman and extensive enquiries she was not able to be identified. Faced with a stalled investigation, police approached Crime Stoppers for help, believing that someone would be able to provide that vital piece of information.

Airing of a 30-second unsolved crime segment, produced in partnership with Channel 9, saw two calls to Crime Stoppers which identified the woman. She was located and charged with failing to pay for a taxi fare, aggravated assault and property damage.

“We are very proud that Crime Stoppers has helped to solve more than 32,500 crimes and more than 21,000+ people have been apprehended since it first began in SA. An average of 25 crimes continue to be solved every week as a direct result of information provided by the community, with one apprehension made for every seven calls received,” Ms Hanlon said.

“The statistics demonstrate that we make a real difference. In 2018 alone we received more than 25,000 phone and web reports received which resulted in police making 822 apprehensions. A total of 82 firearms were seized during the year, and an estimated 80,035 cannabis and 12,227 amphetamine street deals stopped,” she said.

An independent report commissioned by Crime Stoppers Australia in 2018 found the program remains Australia’s most recognised and pre-eminent information reporting service, delivering a return of $11.15 in additional value for every dollar invested. The report also found that 82% of people feel safer knowing the program is in place, and 62% said Crime Stoppers made it more likely they would report information.

About the CSI Awards

The Crime Stoppers International annual awards recognise leading individuals, programs, activities and campaigns from around the world for excellence and for their contribution to the achievement of the Crime Stoppers International vision – to help stop, solve and prevent crime globally. This year’s winners were announced at an Awards Presentation Ceremony, held in conjunction with the 2019 Crime Stoppers International Annual Conference in Singapore, in front of an international audience of Crime Stoppers delegates and distinguished guests.

Anthony Stone was an inmate at the Yatala Labour Prison when he was murdered.

The 34 year old was present in the yard during a meeting with about 90 other prisoners at about 2.45 pm on 12 October 1989.

During this meeting Mr Stone was fatally stabbed with a knife believed to have been removed from the prison kitchen.

A fellow inmate was arrested and charged with Mr Stone’s murder, but that charge was later withdrawn.

While the person remains the suspect in this matter, further evidence is required before a fresh murder charge can be laid.

A reward of up to $200,000 is on offer to anyone who provides information leading to a conviction in the case.

It has now been 27 years since teenager Rhianna Barreau disappeared without a trace from her home.

The 12-year old went missing from her home address at Wakefield Avenue, Morphett Vale on Wednesday 7 October 1992.

Rhianna lived at home with her mother and brother, who were both not at home at the time of her disappearance.

On that fateful day Rhianna decided to visit the nearby Southgate Shopping Centre at Reynella to purchase a Christmas card for her American pen pal.

Because there was a bus strike that day, she walked.

After her mother left for work, it appears Rhianna remained at home until mid-morning.

There was a positive sighting of her at 10.30am walking towards the Reynella newsagency.

The last known sighting of her was at 12.30pm on Highway Drive, between the Morphett Vale High School and the Stanvac Primary School.

It is believed that Rhianna returned home because the card she purchased was found on a dining room table — although precisely what time and what then occurred remains a mystery.

She is suspected to have been murdered.

While there are several persons of interest who are believed to have information concerning Rhianna’s disappearance, there is no definitive suspect.

A reward of up to $1,000,000 remains on offer to anyone who either provides information leading to the recovery of her remains or information leading to a conviction in the case.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

It is now 9 years since Beverley Hanley was found murdered at her home address in Homington Road, Elizabeth North.

The well-loved grandmother was located by her sister at about 3.25pm on Wednesday 6th October 2010, with the front door and screen door found shut but not locked.

The 64-year old had severe head injuries believed to be caused by a cricket bat found at the scene, as well as injuries caused by a sharp-edged weapon.

Her house had also been ransacked and her handbag allegedly stolen.

Police believe she was killed sometime between 7.30am and 11am on the morning of Wednesday 6 October 2010.

A reward of up to $200,000 is on offer to anyone who provides information leading to a conviction in the case.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

A 44-year old Victorian man has been charged with her murder and is awaiting trial.

Nearly 900 actions were generated for police investigation during August thanks to information provided by the community to Crime Stoppers.

Our unsolved weekly crime segments during the month asked for help to solve the shooting murder of Jason De Ieso at his Pooraka workshop, identify two people wanted for an assault on a couple at Light Square in the city, a man caught on CCTV during an assault in the carpark of a Norwood business and a robbery of an Elizabeth Downs hotel.

Watch these and other weekly crime segments at https://www.youtube.com/user/SIBSACrimeStoppers

Other August 2019 results included:

• 897 intelligence reports raised and 876 actions issued to police for investigation;
• 1,871 calls to our hotline and 243 online reports;
• 10,042 people visited the Crime Stoppers SA website, resulting in 27,254 page views;
• 22 people apprehended for a range of offences.

If you have any information about criminal activity or an unsolved crime, then call our free hotline on 1800 333 000 or go to www.crimestopperssa.com.au

Rewards are available and you can remain anonymous.

Social media platforms are a well-entrenched aspect of everyday life for many people to share news, express opinions, stay in touch with friends – and make them green with envy by posting holiday happy snaps from exotic beachside locations and dream destinations.

South Australia has an estimated 1.2 million Facebook users, Instagram has 570,000 local users, not to mention those who use Twitter, Snapchat, the list goes on. It’s little wonder that about one third South Australians who are on social media check into their accounts every day to see the latest news and posts.

But for those social media users who haven’t spent time making sure their online security as best as it can be, the information and imagery they share can be an open invitation to a criminal wanting to strike when they are away – especially when someone tells followers the countdown dates until they head off.

To make the most of this long weekend, Crime Stoppers SA has partnered with Police Credit Union to help you enjoy your time online without compromising your home’s security.

Open house invitation

There are plenty of applications that let users promote their location, but what doing that also does is advertise that you aren’t home and shouldn’t be expected back anytime soon. That’s why it’s a good idea to turn off the GPS function on your phone when not in use as another way to protect yourself from making accidental references to your location.

Check your security settings.

Privacy settings can change from time to time, and sometimes without warning – so before you head off check your settings to make sure you aren’t sharing your private information with unwelcome eyes.

Log out before heading out

Log out of any personal accounts on your home computer too before going away, because if someone manages to access your home computer then chances are that they can access your personal information and social media accounts, which are likely to contain travel plans.

Beware the fake friend

Life should not be about the number of likes, shares and follows you get – which is why you need to be careful not to accept people who you don’t genuinely know. Not everyone has good intentions, and someone you met virtually through an online social media friend could use the information you share online to track down your home and take what isn’t theirs.

Two-Factor Authentication

Think about enabling a two-factor authentication on your social media platforms because it will prevent anyone who might have your password from accessing your accounts. When someone enters your password, the social platform will recognise that it has been made from a new device and send your phone a notification.

Remember that less is more

The world might be a stage, but social media isn’t the best platform to overshare, so restrict the amount of personal information you put on social media – especially details like your home or work address, phone numbers, where you work, and any other personal information that can be used to target you. Remove GPS coordinates from any pictures you post.

Remember, it’s never a good idea to post a picture of your passport or boarding pass – even if you are super excited.

Don’t forget the basics

A few basic security precautions around the home as part of your holiday getaway preparations can also go a long way towards keeping thieves at bay and your property protected. Take time to double-check that windows and doors are locked, and make sure that sheds, garage doors, and side gates are also secure. If you have a security system or sensor lights, have them turned on. Hide those spare keys, cancel the newspaper delivery and ask a trusted friend to keep an eye on your place and empty the letterbox until you get back.

The 29^th of September marks the 23-year anniversary since the murder of Adelaide taxi driver Andrew Mordowicz at Klemzig.

And with it now being more than two decades on, the reason for the attack still remains a mystery.

The 43-year was working as a taxi driver for United Yellow Taxis when a booking came in at about 3.47am for a 4.30am pick up on Sunday 29 September 1996.

The instructions were to attend 79 Fife Street to collect someone and take them into the city.

Taxi driver lured to death but motive remains unclear

Despite it now being 23 years since taxi driver Andrew Mordowicz was shot and killed at Klemzig, the reason for the attack remains a mystery.

The 43-year was working as a taxi driver for United Yellow Taxis when a booking came in at about 3.47am for a 4.30am pick up on Sunday 29 September 1996. The instructions were to attend 79 Fife Street to collect someone and take them into the city.

When he arrived at Fife Street there was no number 79 in the quiet cul-de-sac. He spoke briefly to the dispatch operator and decided to knock on the door of number 78.

A short time later, neighbours heard the sounds of a gunshot and the married father of two was found lying in the driveway with two gunshot wounds.

Sadly, he died a short time later in the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

The owners of the house – which backs onto the Torrens Linear Park – were away on the night of the shooting. Police presume the suspect/s had been hiding in Linear Park nearby.

While the murder could have been motivated by an attempted robbery, that presumption is potentially undermined by the fact that Mr Mordowicz was found with cash in his pocket and the coin dispenser also found in his unlocked taxi.

Police have said that whoever killed Mr Mordowicz seemed to have known the house was empty, but remain unsure if Mr Mordowicz was specifically targeted.

While there has never been a firm suspect in this case, or the murder weapon located, one piece of information can be all it takes.

A reward of up to $200,000 is on offer to anyone who provides information leading to a conviction in the case.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperssa.com.au