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During December, Crime Stoppers SA received more than 1800 calls from people wanting to share what they know about unsolved crimes and criminal activity. That information directly led to eight firearms and an array of other dangerous weapons being seized.

Information also saw 39 apprehensions made by police during the month, including 14 men and 6 women being charged with a range of serious crimes that included drug, firearm and stolen property offences.

A local component of the national Dob in a Dealer campaign was launched on the Far West Coast and Copper Coast to engage those local communities and encourage anyone with information about the making, growing or selling of drugs to take a stand and provide information.

We also continued to promote our anti-graffiti campaign in partnership with DPTI, which offers a reward to anyone that can help convict a public transport vandal.

In partnership with Police Credit Union, our annual bushfire arson campaign was launched to put firebugs in the spotlight, and we delivered a personal safety initiative to help people safely navigate the end-of-year party season.

Throughout December we had 1863 calls made to the 1800 333 000 hotline, while more than 360 reports were received through the Crime Stoppers SA website and the Report Suspicious behaviour app.

In addition to 43 specific calls received about firearms, people also provided information on the unsolved suspected murder of David Fletcher in 2004, whose remains were found dumped at a Moonta quarry, the ongoing investigation of a murder at a Para Vista drug house last year, a violent robbery of a jewellery store at the Ingle Farm Shopping Centre on 11 December 2018, fatal road crashes at Gould Creek and Salisbury North, and a hit-run crash at Black Forest involving a truck.  

Our weekly crime segments on 9News Adelaide profiled the murder of Rodney Larcombe, who was bashed and killed inside his Warradale home in 2013, the cold case murder of Heather Turner more than 21 years ago and a fatal crash at Paradise, in which an elderly male pedestrian was hit and later died in hospital from his injuries.

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

Other December 2018 results included:

• 1015 intelligence reports raised, and 878 actions issued for investigation;
• 8 firearms and $26,000 cash seized;
• More than 6,800 people visited the Crime Stoppers SA website, resulting in 22,700 page views;

If you have any information about criminal activity and unsolved crimes, then don’t forget that you can call our free hotline on 1800 333 000, go to crimestopperssa.com.au or download the free Report Suspicious Behaviour app for iOS and Android phones. 

Don’t forget that rewards are available and you can remain anonymous – it’s your choice.

Information provided to Crime Stoppers SA by South Australians during the Make the Call campaign has delivered major results and significantly disrupted the local drug trade – with five clandestine labs shut down, 59 people apprehended and eight firearms seized.

Of the nearly 4,200 reports made to the not-for-profit organisation during the 6-month campaign, more than 1100 were specifically ice-related.

Crime Stoppers South Australia Chair, Ms Sharon Hanlon, said: “When we launched the 6-month Make the Call campaign in February 2018 we anticipated strong results, but what has been achieved has surpassed all expectations and sends the clear message that the community will not sit idly by and let drug dealers peddle their illegal trade unchallenged.”

“Many people contacted Crime Stoppers using the option of anonymity to provide information that sparked a number of raids and investigations right across the Adelaide metropolitan and regional areas, resulting in illegal drugs and precursor chemicals being seized, as well as Fantasy, Amphetamine, GHB, and Cannabis,” Ms Hanlon said.

“An arsenal of weapons was also discovered which included firearms, tasers, knives, and batons, as well as a treasure trove of stolen property and cash. Some information reports have given police significant intelligence holdings to action immediately, while others have formed part of longer-term investigations,” she said.

“Whether it is in a regional or metropolitan setting, we know that all too often drug dealers are operating their illicit trade in full sight of the community, but people have taken advantage of this opportunity to hold them to account and disrupt the local supply.”

The campaign, which was part-funded by a $200,000 State Government grant, was launched in February 2018 in response to waste water analysis which suggested the use of methamphetamine in South Australia had tripled over a 5-year period in South Australia.

In addition to a series of roadshows across key regional locations campaign materials were produced in Mandarin, Vietnamese and Arabic to engage non-English speaking communities too. Print, radio, TV and social media advertising is estimated to have reached more than 1 million South Australians, enhanced through several community service announcements aired in partnership with Crime Stoppers SA’s media partner, 9 News Adelaide.

Key campaign results include:

• Roadshows in Murray Bridge, Riverland, Port Augusta, Whyalla, Port Pirie, Port Lincoln and Mount Gambier;
• 4193 contacts received or illicit drugs  (1126 specifically related to amphetamines) and 983 actions issued for investigation;
• 28 persons were arrested and 31 reported for a range of offences;
• Five clandestine laboratories located  and 480g of methamphetamine, 7,484mls of fantasy seized, along with cannabis, cocaine, LSD, cannabis oil and prescription medications;
• Eight firearms, ammunition, tasers, batons, knives and an arsenal of other weapons located;
• Nearly $80,000 seized, and property located including phones, jewellery, electronics, tools and bikes.

“While not every contact that we receive necessarily results in an immediate apprehension, every piece of information can make a difference by advancing an investigation or providing intelligence that can be passed to police and further explored by investigators,” Ms Hanlon said.

“With an average of 25 crimes solved every week and more than 32,000 crimes solved since Crime Stoppers began in South Australia as a direct result of information provided by the community, this is a highly effective program that makes SA a far safer place.”

“Our thanks go to the community for their trust in sharing what they know, SA Police for acting on information received, and for the State Government for its financial contribution.”

The Minister for Police, the Hon. Corey Wingard MP said: “Crime Stoppers are an important cog in keeping South Australian communities safe. The information they have received has led to hundreds of arrests and the Liberal State Government will continue to support Crime Stoppers to carry out their role in helping to bring those inclined to break the law to face justice.”

The Make the Call. Cut the Supply. Stop the Hurt campaign – launched in partnership with the State Government and SA Police – encouraged people to provide anonymous information about drug dealers and manufacturers.

Any information about criminals or criminal activity can be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or making a report at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

People can remain anonymous and rewards are available.

About Crime Stoppers SA

Crime Stoppers began in South Australia in 1996 and since then has played a critical role in encouraging people to come forward with information that helps to solve crimes and educate on topics such as property and personal safety, vehicle theft, and cyber safety.

The program encourages people to be alert and engaged participants in their community and provides a secure way for information about illegal activity and unsolved crimes to be passed to police through an independent toll-free hotline and a website that guarantees anonymity with the option of a reward. Crime Stoppers SA works with police, the media and the public to solve, reduce and prevent crime.

More about Crime Stoppers SA can be found at https://crimestopperssa.com.au  

Nearly 50 calls resulted in the seizure of three firearms during November, and discovery of an arsenal of other illegal and dangerous weapons throughout the month.

Information provided by the community directly led to 55 apprehensions by police during November, including 14 men and 5 women charged with a range of serious crimes including drug and firearms offences.

We continued the South Australian rollout of the national Dob in a Dealer campaign, launching local activities in the Limestone Coast, Adelaide Hills, and Kangaroo Island – calling on anyone with information about the making, growing or selling of drugs to provide information.

Throughout November we had nearly 2000 calls made to our 1800 333 000 hotline, while more than 300 reports were received through the Crime Stoppers SA website and the Report Suspicious behaviour app.

People continued to provide information on a number of unsolved serious crimes, including the disappearance and presumed murder of Gail King, an aggravated robbery and a serious criminal trespass in the city, and a violent assault at Christie Downs.

Our weekly crime segments on 9News Adelaide called for help to solve the murder of Victor Harbor mother, Bernadette Liston, a fatal hit and run which killed an elderly pedestrian at Paradise earlier this year, and an aggravated city assault on a man that almost claimed his life. Watch these and other weekly crime segments at https://www.youtube.com/user/SIBSACrimeStoppers

Other November 2018 results included:

• 1032 intelligence reports raised, and 906 actions issued for investigation;
• 3 firearms and $6,000 cash seized;
• More than 7,700 people visited the Crime Stoppers SA website, resulting in 21,800 page views;

If you have any information about criminal activity and unsolved crimes, then don’t forget that you can call our free hotline on 1800 333 000, go to crimestopperssa.com.au or download the free Report Suspicious Behaviour app for iOS and Android phones.

Rewards are available and you can remain anonymous.

With the countdown now on until Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, Crime Stoppers SA has partnered with Police Credit Union to help partygoers enjoy a safe night out rather than one best forgotten.

Crime Stoppers South Australia chair, Ms Sharon Hanlon, said the festive season was a time when most people enjoy the opportunity to wind down with work colleagues, family and friends – but says a night on the town can bring the increased risk of becoming a victim of crime.

“We have seen plenty of examples where excess alcohol consumption leads to alcohol-fuelled violence, careless or reckless behaviour and risk taking, so one of the most important messages for people is to understand the need to be responsible for their own behaviour,” Ms Hanlon said.

“To help people enjoy a safe night out, our campaign that encourages people to have heightened awareness as to potential dangers they may encounter when out, how to reduce the risk of harm, and the importance of being aware of their surroundings at all times.”

Some top personal safety tips for partygoers include:

• Let someone you trust know your plans to go out and when you are likely to return home
• Keep to well-lit and populated areas
• Stay with friends and look after each other
• Don’t hitchhike or accept a ride with a stranger
• Be aware of your surroundings and stay vigilant
• Avoid using earphones because they can drown out sounds around you and distract
• When meeting someone new for the first time, plan it for a public place
• Trust your instincts – if you feel unsafe then move and consider calling for help
• Have your mobile phone charged and handy
• Monitor your alcohol consumption, eat before and during partying, and consider having soft drink or water between drinks
• If you are driving then don’t drink, nominate a designated driver or have safe transport arranged before going out
• Don’t take drinks from strangers, keep control of your drinks at all times and never leave them unattended

To best protect your person property:

• Don’t carry large amounts of money and don’t show how much money you have
• If you go to an ATM, pick one that is well-lit, protect your PIN, and be careful of people standing too close.
• Ensure you remove any receipts, and place your money safely away before walking away from the ATM.
• If you lose your card, report it immediately
• Keep your bag, wallet/purse and mobile phone where you can see them at all times – don’t leave them unattended
• Always keep a bag closed and secure
• Carry your bag securely and never let the strap hang loose. Shoulder straps should be worn across the body.
• Don’t leave your bag unattended in a shopping trolley or pram, and make it the first thing to be put into the car when unloading or loading shopping items

“As a reminder to people, a number of these handy tips will be shared on the Crime Stoppers SA Facebook page, and we encourage people to play an active role in this campaign by liking and sharing the tips, and thinking about how they might use them in their own circumstances,” Ms Hanlon said.

“Ultimately, Crime Stoppers SA wants people to enjoy a safe Christmas and a Happy New Year, and our latest campaign has been designed to encourage people to have a good time with some safety tips in the back of their mind.”

If anyone has information about a crime or criminal activity, then they can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, go to crimestopperssa.com.au or download the FREE Report Suspicious Behaviour App. People can remain anonymous and rewards are available.

About Crime Stoppers SA

Crime Stoppers is not-for-profit charity that began in South Australia in 1996 and since then has played a critical role in encouraging people to come forward with information that helps to solve crimes, and educate on topics such as property and personal safety, vehicle theft, and cyber safety.

The program encourages people to be alert and engaged participants in their community and provides a secure way for information about illegal activity and unsolved crimes to be reported to police through a toll-free hotline and a website that guarantees anonymity with the option of a reward. Crime Stoppers SA works with police, the media and the public to solve, reduce and prevent crime.

 

With Crime Stoppers programs across Australia now rolling out their Dob in a Dealer activities, it’s timely to share some uncomfortable truths that a drug dealer won’t be in any hurry to reveal – and the reality can be just as painful as the misery they spread through their illegal activities.

Here are six things worth thinking about ….

Dealers use fillers

It is common knowledge that drug dealers “cut” or mix in fillers to drugs, and what is added could easily be a death sentence to a user. Drugs are sold by the amount, so when a dealer wants to make a bigger profit they simply mix drugs with a range of other substances to achieve more income. For powdered drugs, like cocaine, it’s not uncommon for a range of fillers to be added which are not easily detected to the naked eye. Fillers could include everything from vitamin B-12, laxatives, right through to dewormers normally used to treat animals.

It’s profit over people

Drug dealers do what they do so they can make money. They are shonky salesmen peddling in an illegal trade, regardless of whether they happen to be selling to support themselves or just to have extra money to fund their own drug use. They work hard to build up trusted clients to create a ‘supply and demand’ dynamic – and will do plenty to be your ‘friend’ in order to get the sale. Don’t forget, there’s plenty of examples where someone suddenly owes money to a dealer, and that friendly demeanour slips and becomes a far more violent association.

They don’t know what’s in the drugs

It might be hard to believe, but dealers don’t really know what’s in the drugs they are selling. Plenty of drug dealers are just a middle-man, and someone else, somewhere else originally made the drugs before they were shipped, trucked or flown into the hands of the current dealer. The drugs could have been traded a number of times, and unknown fillers added in along the way. When you buy drugs there’s no guarantee that they are what someone says they are, so it is Russian Roulette when it comes to your health and well-being.

Pain caused is conveniently forgotten

Drug dealers operate in a world full of fear, hurt and pain. Not only does a dealer face the constant prospect of being arrested and held to account, each and every customer they have also faces the same threat – and could easily turn in their drug dealer to help reduce the severity of charges they might be facing or shorten a prison term. A drug dealer isn’t going to tell you about some of the desperate things addicts do to get their next fix, or the occasions where someone overdoses and dies as a result. It would be bad for business.

There’s never a “deal”

Whether someone likes it or not, drug dealers don’t play favourites. There’s never going to be a ‘special rate’ or deal on offer just because you happen to be a nice person. Like any other business, drug dealers make a profit by charging more for their product than what they paid for it. What that means is the more they charge, the more they make. And what users can often find is that they need to resort to robbery, theft and housebreakings to fund their habit and get the money needed. All too often victims of drug users are family and friends.

There’s something you can do

Let’s not kid ourselves about the damage that drug dealers continue to cause. Sitting back and watching drug dealers destroy the lives of the people you care about should not be an option.

Crime Stoppers is a trusted, independent link between police and the community. We do not have call display or call trace on any of our telephones, and we do not record any calls or log an IP address if it is an online report.

You are under no obligation to share any personal details, and information you provide can be nothing more than a suspicion. Even the smallest piece of information can make all the difference.

If you have any information about drug makers or dealers, you can contact Crime Stoppers via a toll-free hotline (1800 333 000), make a report at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or use our FREE Report Suspicious Behaviour apps (suitable for iOS and Android phones).

 

The recent launch of Dob in a Dealer campaign must be getting some traction in the community, because during October the Crime Stoppers SA call centre received 180 calls from people wanting to share information about a range of drug manufacturing and dealing activities.

As a result, one clandestine lab was discovered and shut down, while 136 cannabis plants and 17kg of dried cannabis was also seized.

People continued to provide information on a number of unsolved serious crimes, including the murder of Martin Meffert, presumed murders of Scott Redman and Tanja Ebert, the graffiti attack on the “Malls Balls’ in the city, as well as robberies and serious criminal trespass incidents.

During October our weekly crime segment on 9 News Adelaide called for help to track down those responsible for the murder of Adelaide schoolgirl Heather Turner in 1998 and asked for someone who has previously contacted Crime Stoppers to do so again about the unsolved cold case killing of Peter Seaford in Whyalla in 1989. We also released CCTV of a suspect armed with a syringe wanted for a robbery in the city late last year and appealed for help to solve the murders of teenager Karen Williams, Anna Rosa Liva, Colin Ernest Williams and Andrew “Wilbur” Williamson in Coober Pedy.

You can watch these and other weekly crime segments at our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/SIBSACrimeStoppers

During the month, our innovative crime-solving tactics and community safety initiatives also saw Crime Stoppers South Australia win three major categories in the 2018 Crime Stoppers International awards for efforts to solve the cold case murder of Port Lincoln woman, Susan Goodwin, the unsolved murder of Martin Meffert, and a personal safety campaign aimed at people enjoying the end-of-year party period.

October results also included:

• More than 2,200 telephone calls and online reports being received;
• 1062 intelligence reports raised, and 946 actions issued for investigation;
• 3 firearms and more than $40,000 cash seized;
• More than 8,100 people visited the Crime Stoppers SA website, resulting in 23,500 page views;
• 55 people were apprehended, including 25 males and 7 females arrested or reported for serious offences.

If you have any information about criminal activity and unsolved crimes, then don’t forget that you can call our free hotline on 1800 333 000, go to crimestopperssa.com.au or download the free Report Suspicious Behaviour app for iOS and Android phones.

Rewards are available and you can remain anonymous.

 

Crime Stoppers SA has partnered with the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and SA Police to combat graffiti and vandalism attacks on SA’s train, tram and bus network.

Incidents of graffiti and vandalism attacks on public transport network come at a high cost to taxpayers, with an estimated $800,000 per year spent on cleaning graffiti off public transport infrastructure.

The first stage of the campaign has been rolled out on the Seaford line to put the spotlight on graffiti vandals, and is designed to increase awareness of what the public can do help combat graffiti attacks in their local area.

Rewards of up to $1,000 will be available to people who provide information which leads to a successful conviction of an individual for committing a graffiti-related offence on all types of public transport and associated infrastructure such as train stations.

The campaign will be run in various forms and across a number of different communications channels, with signage at 23 stations, targeted social media advertisements, posters on-board buses and Seaford trains, and on other digital platforms.

Vandalism and property damage is unsightly and it can make people feel unsafe. Often the seriousness of the offending goes beyond simply marking graffiti, and includes vandals even attempting to stop, delay or disable trains, putting commuters at risk, or being aggressive toward those who challenge them while marking graffiti. Those marking graffiti are often not just scribblers, but serious repeat criminal offenders who have scant regard for public property or safety.

If you have any information that can help catch a graffiti vandal who has damaged public transport, call Crime Stoppers SA on 1800 333 000 or go to crimestopperssa.com.au to make a report.

You can remain anonymous.

 

The rollout of our Dob in a Dealer campaign is in full swing across South Australia, with people providing some great information about all types of drug dealers and makers.

Last week we shared with you how to spot a meth-lab, so this week we want to help you identify possible signs of a hydroponic cannabis crop being grown nearby. There has been plenty of examples where ordinary homes are turned into makeshift cannabis grow houses, so we need your help to shut them down.

Here are some signs to look out for:

Strong, sickly smells

It may sound obvious, but most hydroponic cannabis crops are discovered by passers-by or keen-nosed residents catching a whiff of the drug’s familiar smell. A cannabis crop takes about three months to grow and in the final weeks, the plants can really stink.

Windows are constantly covered

Maybe your neighbours have curtains drawn all day long or have panelling or sheeting up at windows to hide something they don’t want you to see. This could be a sign that there are many budding plants inside soaking up bright artificial light.

Excessive security

Drug growers live in constant fear that their home-grown set-ups will be discovered by police, landlords or rival drug dealers. If there are padlocks on the gates, massive security features and double and triple locks on the doors, that should certainly raise eyebrows – especially if a street is relatively safe. It is also not unusual to spot bars on the windows and CCTV cameras to alert for possible intruders.

High levels of condensation

Are the windows always misted up? From the inside, landlords might notice damp on the walls or peeling wallpaper, while from the outside a neighbour might spot condensation on the windows, even when it’s not particularly cold outside. The condensation may well be due to inside having been turned into a makeshift greenhouse. For the best plant growth, cannabis needs an atmosphere similar to a greenhouse, and this can cause a lot of condensation.

Lots of visitors – especially at odd hours

Frequent and varied visitors to a property, often at unusual times, could mean you just have a popular neighbour with a big family. But if unfamiliar faces are turning up next door day and night, it might be a sign that there’s something more sinister going on. One thing to watch for is lots of new faces coming knocking.

High electricity bills

The lights, dehumidifiers, hydroponic systems and heaters take a lot of electricity. Many hydroponic set-ups have been found where growers illegally bypass the electricity metre so they don’t have to pay for the massive amounts of electricity used. If you are a landlord who happens to get a copy of a bill that has gone up or down suddenly it might be a sign that a neighbour has tapped into your supply and you are inadvertently funding their drug growing operation.

What happens when it is cold or frosty?

Hydroponic cannabis set-ups produce a lot of heat, which can cause tell-tale signs, especially in winter. When it is frosty, a roofs can be an obvious sign because it is too warm for frost to settle.

Bright lights day and night

It’s strange for anyone to need unusually bright lights on 24 hours a day. Cannabis needs light to grow, so be on the lookout for homes with bright lighting at all times of the day and night. Lights will often be on a timer switch, coming on in the middle of the night.

Constant buzz of ventilation

If you can hear the constant noise of a fan, at all times of the day or night, chances are it could be acting as ventilation for the cannabis grow.

If you have any information – or suspect – that cannabis is being hydroponically grown then call Crime Stoppers SA on 1800 333 000 or make a report at crimestopperssa.com.au

 

It’s not about who you are, just what you know. If you want to stay anonymous then that’s ok – and rewards are still available.

As South Australia braces for a long, hot and dry Summer ahead, Crime Stoppers South Australia has again joined forces with Police Credit Union to encourage people living, working and visiting South Australia to be extra vigilant and on the lookout for firebugs during the months ahead.

On the eve of the start of the Fire Danger Season in the Mount Lofty Ranges and Adelaide metropolitan area, Crime Stoppers South Australia chair, Ms Sharon Hanlon, said the Bushfire Arson campaign had been designed to help people understand signs of suspicious behaviour to report.

“The Fire Danger Season can be an anxious time for many, and an arsonist may be practicing in your area. Bushfires can have a catastrophic effect on the community, so if anyone has information on arsonists then they are urged to report it – anonymously if they choose – to Crime Stoppers South Australia,” Ms Hanlon said.

“Arsonists are known to often ignite small fires, practicing their methods before escalating to larger and potentially more devastating bushfires. What may appear to be an insignificant fire may demonstrate an arsonist’s pattern of crime. If this behaviour is left undetected, the arsonist may continue lighting fires, which could lead to devastating results,” she said.

“It is important to pay attention to what is going on around you during the Fire Danger Season, and every time you’re out for a hike, run, drive or picnic, you are encouraged to keep watch for suspicious arson activity.”

What to look out for:

• People acting unusually, or wearing unusual clothing — they just don’t seem to fit. For example, not dressed for a trail walk, looking nervous when you pass.
• If something or someone makes you stop and wonder what’s going on. Try and remember their age, sex, weight, height, hair colour or clothing.
• A vehicle or driver looks out of place; take note of registration number, make, model, colour and any distinguishing features (such as dents, stickers).
• Some arsonists practice with small fires before igniting a larger one, so if you see signs of burnt out spot fires or anything suspicious then it is important to report it.

“It is important for people to know which number to call and why. If someone sees suspicious behaviour currently happening then they should call Police on 131 444, if they see a fire burning then call 000 for fire services, and if they have information about someone who is deliberately lighting fires then they can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au ,” Ms Hanlon said.

People can remain anonymous and rewards are available.