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Former Adelaide Football Club Chief Operating Officer, Nigel Smart, has been announced as the new CEO for Crime Stoppers South Australia, following an extensive national and international recruitment process.

In welcoming the senior appointment, Crime Stoppers SA Chair, Sharon Hanlon, said Mr Smart brought well-developed leadership skills, commercial acumen and significant management and business development experience to the key role.

“Nigel was a standout in a very competitive and highly qualified field of applicants, and we look forward to him working with the Crime Stoppers SA Board and heading up our management team as we position ourselves to build on our 25-year history of success in South Australia. His understanding of the not-for-profit and charity sector, his personal values and work ethic, and his creativity and innovation, will ensure Crime Stoppers continues to play a very important role for many years to come,” Ms Hanlon said.

“Nigel’s local and national networks will be invaluable when it comes to forging new partnerships as we look to strengthen our financial position and sharpen our strategic focus and direction. His appointment brings us into line with our interstate counterparts and represents a key milestone for Crime Stoppers SA,” she said.

In welcoming his appointment Mr Smart said: “I am excited at the opportunity to contribute to an organisation which directly contributes to a safer South Australia by giving people ways to anonymously share what they know about unsolved crime and suspicious activity.”

“It is fantastic to be leading an organisation that enjoys a strong brand awareness and a high level of community trust, and I plan to expand the operational reach of Crime Stoppers in SA, better engage with the corporate and public sector, increase engagement with our State’s regional and multicultural communities, and generate financial resources to fund key programs that will achieve even greater community outcomes,” Mr Smart said.

Police Minister Vincent Tarzia wished Mr Smart luck in his new challenge which begins today.

“The Marshall Government is proud to support Crime Stoppers SA and it’s fantastic to see a passionate, talented South Australian like Nigel Smart step into the position of CEO,” Minister Tarzia said.

“Mr Smart had a stellar career in the Crows backline and will now play a pivotal role in our state’s defence against crime. Crime Stoppers SA recently celebrated 25 years of service and it’s clear, with this new and additional layer of leadership, the charity will continue to jump strength to strength.”

“Over the years, and thanks to the public, hundreds of thousands of valuable tips have been supplied to Crime Stoppers SA, helping SAPOL solve almost 35,000 crimes – and that number continues to soar.”

Mr Smart’s 3-year appointment has been made possible as part of a broader funding package from the State Government. Announced in the 2020 budget, the State Government has committed $200,000 per annum over the next three years to Crime Stoppers to offset operational costs and deliver critical crime-solving and prevention activities to the community.

After a successful AFL career, which included induction into the Adelaide Football Club Hall of Fame, Mr Smart spent eight years with the Club as a senior member of the management team spearheading significant membership growth, increased revenue and profit, as well as improved match attendance. He also successfully negotiated new strategic partnerships with a number of well-known organisations and brands.

Mr Smart also brings significant Board experience to his new role, having held previous directorships with the Adelaide Football Club as Deputy Chair, Slingsby Theatre Company Chair, Adelaide Crows Children’s Foundation and as the current President of the Southern Districts Cricket Club.

He begins his new role on Monday, 2 August 2021.

FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Sunday Mail

Damian Cauchi left his Mount Gambier home to live in Adelaide in early August 1998.

The last reported sighting of the 21-year old was in August 1998 when he was seen with another male.

He was reported missing by his parents in September 1998.

Damian was believed to associate with a number of people involved in criminal activities, but it is not known if this played a role in his disappearance.

His disappearance is out of character and he has not contacted his parents or accessed his bank accounts.

He is suspected to have been murdered and his disappearance is linked with the disappearance of Russell Bradshaw in 1992 who is also suspected to have been murdered.

Since then there have been several unsuccessful searches in the Murray Mallee region for the remains of the two men — whose bodies are believed to have been dumped near to each other, but not in the same exact location.

A reward of up to $200,000 is on offer to anyone who either provides information leading to the recovery of his 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

Matthew Burgess, born 1959, was last sighted early August 1984 at Hazelwood Park.

He enjoyed painting and was interested in the Aboriginal lands.

Extensive enquiries have been conducted revealing no trace. There has been no activity on his bank account and no confirmed sightings since.

Of the 51,000 missing persons reports submitted to police in 2020 approximately 98 per cent were located. However there remains approximately 2,600 long-term missing persons, who have been missing for more than three months.

Missing since: Wednesday, August 1, 1984
Last seen: Hazelwood Park, SA
Year of birth: 1959
Age now: 62
Gender: Male
Height: 185cm
Build: Slim
Hair: Light brown
Eyes: Blue
Complexion: Fair

If you have information that may assist police to locate Matthew please call 1800 333 000 or go to www.crimestopperssa.com.au

It’s believed that David McWilliams was murdered on the 29th or 30th of  July 1998 by criminal associates.

The 39-year old was most likely shot and possibly buried in the eastern region of country South Australia.

The motive for his murder is believed to have been to silence him from boasting about his own and others involvement in the murder of Leo Daly, a criminal associate who allegedly owed money for drugs.

The suspected murders of Mr McWilliams, Leo Daly, Robert Pendergast and 15-year old Juan Morgan remain as open investigations.

It is believed those responsible for killing Mr McWilliams are also involved in the murders of Daly, Pendergast and Morgan.

While the suspects for each of these murders are known to investigators, further information is needed to charge and prosecute those responsible.

A $200,000 reward is on offer for anyone providing information which leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person or people responsible for his suspected death or the recovery of his remains.

If you have information that might assist please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

 

At about 1.40am on Sunday 28 July 2002 Mark Williams was hit by two shotgun blasts through the front window of his Moorhouse Ave unit at Myrtle Bank, most likely as he pulled back a curtain to see who had knocked on the front door.

Sadly, he died at the scene.

The 37-year old lived alone at his unit and suffered from a number of medical conditions. He enjoyed riding his bicycle and in the fifteen months prior to his death had spent two periods of about six months each riding his bicycle around the Northern Territory and Western Australia. He had returned to Adelaide on 9 June 2002 after his bicycle was stolen in Broome, Western Australia.

Police have a suspect, as well as another person who is believed to also be involved in the plot to kill the invalid pensioner.

Investigations have revealed that Mark knew the suspect for only a short period of time before his death, and while police most have a likely motive, it has not been revealed for operational reasons.

Mark was not linked to any criminal or drug activity and had no known enemies.

One key piece of information provided was the sighting of a silver car seen leaving Moorhouse Ave at speed shortly after the shots were heard.

Investigators believe other people may know what happened and are asked to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestopperssa.com.au

A reward up to $200,000 is on offer to anyone who provides information and assistance that leads to the conviction of the person or people responsible for his death.

 

An estimated 281,520 cannabis street deals and 1,971 amphetamine street deals have been stopped from hitting South Australian streets already this year thanks to tips shared with Crime Stoppers SA from people concerned about illicit drug dealing in the community.

The spike in the number of cannabis street deals seized by police, after receiving leads from Crime Stoppers thanks to tips from the public shared with the organisation, is more than double the amount of dried cannabis seized for the same 6-month period last year.

Crime Stoppers SA (CSSA) Chair, Ms Sharon Hanlon, said the ongoing impact of border closures because of COVID-19 outbreaks has impacted the market for methamphetamine and other drug types, resulting in a significant spike in the price of illicit drugs in response to declining availability and quantity.

“Even though COVID-19 border restrictions have impacted the supply of meth, wastewater drug-monitoring results undertaken by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) show that SA stills continues to top the nation when it comes to per capita use in capital city and regional testing,” Ms Hanlon said.

“As drug users find it difficult to source heroin and methamphetamine, they appear to be turning to cannabis and other drug options which are more readily available and not reliant on international or cross-border transport routes. In response, drug dealers are looking for options to fill that demand gap, and the spike in the number of cannabis street deals seized already this year thanks to Crime Stoppers tips certainly reinforces that theory,” she said.

“The demand for cannabis is further strengthened by lockdowns and other restrictions because people have more time to use drugs. Others may opt to use drugs to help them deal with the stress of living through the pandemic.”

Cannabis was first included in the ACIC Wastewater testing program in 2018 and consumption rates across Australia have steadily increased since then, particularly in regional parts of South Australia.

“Drug dealers don’t care about the harm they cause to users or families. For them it is all about the profit. We know that organised crime groups are out to make money through whatever illegal means they can and profit from the importation, manufacture, trafficking and sale of all types of drugs,” Ms Hanlon said.

Other half year results released by Crime Stoppers SA show that while the number of tips for murders and firearms is down compared to the same period last year, tips about unsolved robberies, offences against the person and arson are all higher.

Amongst an array of weapons confiscated by police during the period, 24 firearms have also been seized thanks to Crime Stoppers tips, and two clandestine drug labs located and closed.

“Our half year results show that South Australians want to live in a safe community. When they know or suspect something about an unsolved crime or suspicious activity they have the courage time and again to share what they know with Crime Stoppers without needing to say who they are or get involved,” she said.

Further year-to-date results are shown below:

It has been 21 years since the brutal bashing death of Hamley Bridge woman, Kathleen Durdin.

The well-presented, independent 91-year old – who had lived in Hamley Bridge for more than 40 years – was killed in her Gilbert Street home and found on Wednesday 26th July 2000.

She was not only repeatedly hit in the head, but was left with defensive injuries to her arms and hands as she tried to protect herself from the blows.

A fingerprint and partial palm print found at the property are considered critical evidence, but despite checking dozens of people, no match has been found to date.

A number of people of interest have been identified who were either in the area or known to frequent the town on occasions.

The murder weapon has also never been located and there is no clear the motive for the murder.

Cupboards and drawers at the home were opened, with property and clothing strewn about the floor, but cash and jewellery were left behind by the offender.

The victim was found close to her favourite chair by a relative who attended at the address at the request of a Meals on Wheels volunteer.

A $200,000 reward is on offer for anyone providing information which leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person or people responsible for her murder.

Anyone with information that might assist should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

While the global pandemic has seen Australians of all ages turn to the internet to stay better connected, recent research found that 44% of teens have had a negative online experience and three quarters of teens want more online safety information delivered through trusted channels.

In response, Crime Stoppers has worked with education professionals to develop a Cybercrime and the Law teaching pack as the latest addition to a free online teachers’ resource suite of Civics and Citizenship themes.

Specifically targeting Years 7-10, the initiative was first developed and trialed in Western Australia to help make the Australian subject of Civics and Citizenship more engaging. The learning materials are now nationally available and provide flexible content and lesson ideas, resources and assessments, which allow teachers to select lesson ideas in any order to best suit the interest and needs of students.

In discussing the launch of the Cybercrime and the Law module, Crime Stoppers SA Chair, Sharon Hanlon said it was important to help younger generations understand what it means to be a digital citizen, how technology can facilitate criminal activity, how to be cyber safe and recognise fake news.

“Just as the internet and other new technologies are opening tremendous possibilities, they also provide opportunities for criminals to commit new crimes and carry out old crimes in more modern ways. Cybercrime continues to grow in Australia and poses a serious threat to individuals, businesses, and governments, so educating students is a positive way to raise awareness of the different types of cybercrime and highlight to them the danger signs to look out for,” Ms Hanlon said.

“The rise of fake news makes it more important than ever for younger people to develop strategies to recognise the difference between accurate, reliable news and fake news – because fake news can encourage uninformed decisions, create distrust in public institutions, support criminal activity and even directly harm a person’s well-being,” she said.

The latest learning module also promotes safe use of digital devices and explores key issues impacting on teenagers, such as cyberbullying, online abuse, scams and child sexual exploitation.

“We know teenagers want more online safety information and this latest learning module delivers against that need. Teenagers want to understand how to be safe online and they need to know about image-based abuse and the difficulty that comes with removing inappropriate images, posts and other material,” she said.

“The new module also explores the need to balance online time with other activities, to encourage teenagers to spend time away from the screen and enjoy other activities too.”

Existing learning modules that are already part of the suite explore the justice system, crime laws, law enforcement and the role of citizens in relation to crime, including how Crime Stoppers can help. Teachers can access the resource through Scootle, a national digital repository of teacher resources made available by Education Services Australia as well as on the Crime Stoppers Australia website.

Susan Goodwin went missing from her Port Lincoln home on 19 July 2002 and was never seen again.

The 39-year old was last seen around lunchtime that day after shopping at Coles and Woolworths in Pt Lincoln.

She was reported missing when she failed to pick up her partner from work at 4.15pm. Susan’s partner started walking to their Moonta Crescent home but accepted a lift from a work colleague.

When she arrived home she found fresh meat ready to be cooked for their evening meal and Susan’s car parked in the driveway.

Susan had only her clothes and about $140 with her when she disappeared.

The social drug user was known to associate with people involved in the local drug scene, and a number of these people have been spoken to by investigators.

Investigators believe that it is likely she has been murdered by someone who was very close to her, narrowing the list of potential suspects.

Investigators believe that the killer still resides in the Port Lincoln area and hope that someone within the community breaks their silence and comes forward with information.

Police also believe that it is more than likely that more than one person disposed of her body in a shallow grave within a 30km radius of Port Lincoln.

A number of searches of the bushland and scrub surrounding Port Lincoln have proved fruitless.

A $200,000 reward is available for anyone providing information which leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person or people responsible for her death or the recovery of her remains.

Anyone with information that might assist should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

Can you help solve the suspected murder of Peteris (Peter) Timmermanis?

When he was first reported missing by his sister in 1991 investigators had little information about the circumstances of his disappearance.

That changed in 1995 when a person close to him contacted police about the missing 31-year old’s activity in the cultivation and trafficking of large cannabis crops.

It is now believed that he was killed at or near a Gleesons Landing cannabis crop site and his body dumped in a well somewhere on the lower Yorke Peninsula.

An associate has told investigators that on 17 July 1991 he and Mr Timmermanis were transporting about $300,000 of cannabis from Gleesons Landing but became separated on the journey.

The associate later went to premises in Yorketown and located the truck with Mr Timmermanis’ keys, wallet and other personal possessions inside. The cannabis had been removed from the back of the truck and Mr Timmermanis was nowhere to be seen.

Earlier that day Mr Timmermanis had told his sister he was going away and would be back in a couple of days. When he failed to turn up on 7 August she reported him missing.

Further inquiries revealed that he was due to depart for Cyprus on 25 July with some other associates, who are suspected of being involved in the cannabis trade.

While he did not show up for the flight, a relative of one of the associates was on hand with his bag and ticket ready to take his place and travel to Cyprus.

In 1996 police located evidence that a cannabis crop had been at Gleesons Landing. In 1997 investigators went to the Wool Bay Jetty to search for a firearm which had reportedly been thrown off the end of the jetty and had been used to kill Mr Timmermanis, however nothing was located.

In 1999 police went back to Gleesons Landing and searched a number of wells in the area, following information that he had been murdered and his body dumped.

A $200,000 reward is available for anyone providing information which leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person or people responsible for Mr Timmermanis’ death or the recovery of his remains.

Anyone with information that might assist should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go to www.crimestopperssa.com.au