Media Releases

Three weeks after finishing her leaving exam at Seacombe High School 16-year old Patricia (known as Suzie) Schmidt got a job at a Burger King so she could buy her family Christmas presents.

On Tuesday, 14 December 1971, Suzie worked her first ever night shift, which she had requested because of the penalty rates.

On Saturday 18 December she worked her second shift. Her father was to pick her up when she finished but was running late so she decided to walk home.

At about 1.45am on Saturday 18 December 1971 the teenager was seen leaving her work at the Burger King Restaurant, on the corner of South Road and Marion Road, Darlington.

She was reported as a missing person at 9.30am that day after having failed to return home from work.

When she went missing she was wearing black lace up boots, hot pants, a red jumper and an orange coat.

At about 6.30pm on Saturday 18 December 1971, Suzie’s naked body was located partially hidden off Adams Road at Hallett Cove, south of Adelaide.

When she was found, she was only wearing the boots. The jumper and coat were draped over her body and her bra was hanging on a wire fence nearby.

There was evidence located at the scene that indicates she had been sexually assaulted before being murdered.

Despite promising leads, police have not had any major breaks in the case.

A reward of up to $1,000,000 remains 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

On Monday 23 December 2002, the body of Steven Armstrong was found inside his unit at Henry Street, Plympton.

The 39-year old’s body was found by his landlord, seated in the lounge room of the unit, with multiple stab wounds.

A post-mortem found that the invalid pensioner’s death had occurred around one week earlier, on approximately 16 or 17 December 2002.

Mr Armstrong lived a private life and had a small group of friends and associates.

These friends and associates were identified and spoken to by police. Although some provided further lines of inquiry these failed to assist the investigation.

Another witness, and nearby resident, provided information that around Tuesday 17 December 2002 that he had heard a lot of yelling coming from the vicinity of Mr Armstrong’s unit which lasted for about 10 minutes.

The persons involved in this altercation have never been identified.

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

 

During November we received more than 2100 hotline and online reports, with information about drugs and guns in the community continuing to top the list.

About 149 contacts were from people with information about the manufacture and sale of illicit drugs in their community. The information they provided led to the seizure of 35g of methamphetamine and 350ml of Fantasy as well as helping police locate 38 cannabis plants and about 1.5kg of dried cannabis ready for sale.

We received 55 contacts about illegal firearms, with 1 located and seized thanks to your information.

A total of 19 people were apprehended, with a number charged with serious offences that included possessing prescribed drugs without a prescription, trafficking a controlled drug, and cultivating commercial quantities of cannabis.

During the month, our calls for information saw people share what they knew about an array of unsolved crimes, including serious criminal trespass incidents at Woodville and Lobethal, and a robbery at Plympton.

Our unsolved weekly crime segments asked for your help to identify two men caught on CCTV breaking into a Glenside business, a break-in on a northern suburb’s hotel by two men, and a break-in at a Kurralta Park home. We also asked for your help to solve the 2005 murder of Emma Pawelski, whose body was found in the Mount Crawford forest.

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

Other November 2020 results included:

• 999 information reports raised and 996 actions issued to police for investigation;
• A total of 19 apprehensions during the month;
• In additional to seizure of 1 firearm, other illegal weapons were also confiscated;
• 9,875 people visited the Crime Stoppers SA website, resulting in 27,628 page views;

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 don’t have to provide your details.

It’s what you know, not who you are, that can make a difference.

On 18 December 1991 the body of Yasmina Sinodinos was found on the side of a fire track at Anstey Hill.

The 25-year old was last seen alive by a friend as she left a house at Gilles Plains at about 6am on Sunday 15 December 1991.

At that time the mother of three was seen in the company of a man as she got into what was believed to be a silver or grey coloured Sigma sedan.

Ms Sinodinos died of significant head injuries.

The inference from the scene is that she had been murdered elsewhere and her body washed, re-dressed and dumped at that location.

Ms Sinodinos was a heroin user with connections to the drug world in Adelaide.

She resided day-to-day in Mt Gambier and travelled to Adelaide frequently to associate with friends. It was during such a visit that she died in Adelaide.

DNA was obtained at the post-mortem and in November 2012 was matched with a suspect for her murder.

A male person was subsequently arrested but acquitted at trial in 2014. He remains a suspect in the case.

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

 

 

		With the countdown to Christmas now on, we’ve partnered with Police Credit Union to help keep everyone safe this festive season. Our ‘12 Crimes of Christmas’ officially starts tomorrow and will see us share a crime prevention or safety message every working day for 12 days. Burglary, identity fraud, personal safety and road safety are just some of the areas we plan to highlight in the days ahead, when we share some simple steps to help make your Christmas one to remember for all the right reasons – so make sure to follow us and share our posts to help spread the word!
		On the 1st day of Christmas … protect your parcels Uncertainty about COVID-19 and social distancing restrictions have seen eCommerce boom across the country, with eCommerce spending by Australians recording a 29% month-on-month increase from March to April this year when lockdowns began. As we head into the busiest time of year for postal deliveries it’s important to do all you can to avoid becoming a victim of parcel theft by taking a few simple steps: Get packages delivered to a place where someone can receive them. For deliveries to home, make sure you’re there to sign for them or have a secure location where they can be left. Provide clear delivery instructions and ask for packages not to be placed at your front door. If you’re not going to be home, arrange to collect the parcel from a depot or have it redirected to an address of someone you trust. Report any suspicious behaviour – such as a car following a courier van or an unexpected visitor who knocks on your door asking for someone you don’t know.
		On the 2nd day of Christmas … watch out for fraudsters While plenty of people are on the hunt for that perfect present for family and friends, there are some who may discover that a thief has borrowed their identity to buy their own presents! Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information without your knowledge to obtain credit or purchase goods or services – and technology advances mean that criminals have a variety of methods at their disposal. Here’s some ways to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft: Shred documentation that has personal information, especially bank and credit card statements and old bills. Don’t leave personal documentation in your car. Use strong passwords that are not easily figured out. Never give out personal information over the phone, internet or even face-to-face unless you have initiated the contact and can verify that the person or organisation is legitimate. Secure your letterbox so no-one can access your mail. Monitor your transactions and check bank statements to make sure there are no unauthorised transactions and contact your financial institution immediately if something is not right. Credit cards and Eftpos Immediately advise your bank if your card is lost or stolen, especially because ‘contactless’ technology allows transactions without a pin or a signature up to a limit. Have different PINs for each card and choose them carefully. Don’t write your PIN down and keep it in the same place as your cards. Never share your PIN with anyone and be alert when entering it at an ATM or during a shop transaction. Destroy old cards and sign news ones as soon as you receive them. When you move to a new house, make sure to update your address with your financial institution.
		On the 3rd day of Christmas … put the brakes on burglars Most thieves act on opportunity and Christmas can be a lucrative time for them, so the easiest way to reduce the chance of becoming a victim is to remove the temptation: Secure your house, vehicle, shed and garage at all times. Don’t leave a spare door key hidden outside. Invest in an alarm and security lighting. Keep valuables and wrapped presents out of view. Make the house look lived in using lights on automatic timers and have someone collect mail. Make sure plants and trees close to doors and windows are well trimmed so thieves have no place to hide. Mark your property so it can be easily identified if recovered. Record serial numbers and take photos of unique items such as jewellery and ornaments and provide a copy with your insurance company. Keep important documents and valuation certificates in a safe place, which could be in a safe or leaving copies with a trusted friend or relative.
		On the 4th day of Christmas … make sure to shop safely Shopping is normally bad enough, but social distancing and uncertainty over changing restrictions adds a new layer of complexity when battling the Christmas crowds. Seasonal shopping can also make you a potential target for thieves, so consider a few simple precautions: In the shops Don’t leave shopping to the last-minute rush. Only carry essential identification or valuables and make sure they are secure. Make sure your bag is closed, held in front of you where possible and never left unattended. Pay attention to your surroundings and if someone bumps into you then immediately check your valuables. When making a transaction using your card, never let it out of your sight and be wary about who is nearby when entering your PIN. Pay attention to who is around you and report any suspicious activity. In the car park Always park in a safe location with good lighting and people around. Make sure all doors and windows on your vehicle are secure. Remove all valuables where possible or put things out of sight – including any coins. Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity. Don’t leave GPS systems or mobile phone hands-free accessories on display.
		On the 5th day of Christmas … buckle up! Whether it’s in a car or a sleigh pulled by 12 reindeer, wearing a seatbelt is one of the best ways to protect yourself from serious injury. Always ensure a seatbelt is adjusted firmly to keep you safe and sound. It is a driver’s responsibility to ensure that all passengers in their motor vehicle are correctly wearing an approved seatbelt or child restraint. For more information on child restraints visit www.mylicence.sa.gov.au
		On the 6th day of Christmas … be social, not anti-social There’s no doubt that 2020 has been anything but a normal year, so Christmas should be a time to pay extra attention to the people around you and think before you act. For a minority in the community it appears that one too many drinks suddenly encourages wilful damage and nuisance behaviour, which can be very distressing for others nearby. What might seem like harmless fun to those involved can leave others feeling fearful and unsafe – especially when it escalates to physical damage, graffiti, yelling and rowdy behaviour – so be kind this Christmas.
		On the 7th day of Christmas … drink responsibly Don’t let over-indulgence in alcohol make it a less than merry Christmas because it contributes to making very poor decisions. Drinking excessively can also make someone increasingly vulnerable to becoming a victim of crime or physical trauma. If you are going out, then plan to drink responsibly by: Arranging safe transport to and from your location, whether that is a designated sober driver, taxi or bus. If you are paying for your transport, make sure that you put the money aside at the start of the evening so that you don’t spend it on drink and find yourself stranded. When going out with a group, stay with that group and look out for one another. For every alcoholic drink you have, consider having a glass of water or non-alcoholic drink. Never lose sight of your drink to avoid it being spiked. If you happen to lose sight of your drink at any time, throw what is left away and get a fresh one – and never accept a drink handed to you by a stranger.
		On the 8th day of Christmas … keep your cool While Christmas is a time for enjoying the company of family and friends, it can also be a period where family violence can occur. Family get-togethers, financial pressures and alcohol indulgence can see tempers fray, so think about some ways to keep your cool: Planning is critical, especially when different family groups are involved or where separated parents with children are having access issues. Go easy if you are drinking, and make sure you have water or non-alcoholic drinks too. If an argument looks like it may start, then take time out to let everyone calm down or sober up. If you have real concerns for your safety or the safety of your children, then leave the situation immediately and seek help if needed.
		On the 9th day of Christmas … make your safety a priority In the weeks leading up to Christmas it can be a whirlwind of get-togethers and parties – which is why it’s important to also consider your personal safety through a few basic precautions: If you are going out for the evening: Let someone know where you are going and what time you are likely to return home. Arrange safe transport to and from home, whether that is a designated sober driver, taxi, bus or dial-a-driver. Never accept a lift from someone you don’t know or have just met. If a friend has had too much to drink, make sure they get home safely – don’t just put them into a taxi or leave them. When out, walk home with friends and not on your own and keep to well-lit areas. Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged. If someone is acting suspiciously or making you feel unsafe then move to a location where others are around, seek assistance if needed and stick to well-lit public areas. Don’t drink and drive and never get into a vehicle when you know or suspect that the driver has been drinking. Keep your valuables close to you and out of sight from others, keep an eye on your drink and never accept a drink from a stranger. Drink water or a non-alcoholic drink with every alcoholic one. Stay with your friends and look out for one another.
		On the 10th day of Christmas . . . don’t get distracted Don’t forget that it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. If you can’t resist the temptation then turn it off because if it can’t ring, it can’t distract you. There are a number of free mobile phone apps which help remove the urge to check your phone by sending your caller an automatic message letting them know you are driving and will return their call when you arrive at your destination. Many people will be heading off for that end-of-year road trip, which is why staying patient and alert on our roads will help to make sure everyone reaches their destination safely. To reduce the risks on our roads this Christmas: Ensure everyone is belted in safely. Rest well before your trip, stay alert, share the driving and take plenty of breaks. Allow extra travel time in case of any unforeseen hold-ups. Arriving a bit early is better than having a crash because you were rushing against a deadline. Recognise that changing music, unrestrained pets, arguing kids, loose items in the car, and eating can all be dangerous distractions. Switch off your phone or pull over and stop before you make or receive calls or messages. Watch your speed and drive to changing conditions. Have your car serviced or do basic maintenance checks – oil, water, wiper blades and tyres.
		On the 11th day of Christmas . . don’t drink and drive Drink and drug driving is a major contributor to road crashes, so if you drink or have taken drugs then the safest option is to not get behind the wheel. And remember that if you’ve had a big night drinking you may still be over the limit the next day, while drugs can remain in your system for a number of days. If you are going out and want to drink arrange to stay over, or have a nominated sober driver, taxis, public transport, or car-share option in place. Never get into a vehicle when you know the driver has been drinking or taking drugs.
		On the 12th day of Christmas …. don’t get scammed From spyware to dodgy online merchants, the threat of online fraud is real – and you are the best line of defence. The key to combating the scammers is knowing what threats exist and taking easy steps to beat them: Internet shopping Install security and virus software on your computer and password protect documents containing personal information. If purchasing goods online make sure you make payments and provide details in a secure area of the website and don’t use computers that are accessible to the public to make your transactions. Email and postal scams If you receive an email or letter suggesting you are a winner and you need to provide personal information or advance fees to claim your prize, then chances are it is a scam. Some scams ask you for a loan to help access a larger sum of money and promise a greater return, while others pull heart strings over an alleged medical emergency. Cyber criminals pretend to be from trustworthy organisations, using logos from banks, financial institutions and trusted companies to trick you into sharing sensitive information. If you are asked for personal data or bank account details, then treat it like a scam and contact your bank direct to check. More information on common scams and how to protect yourself can be found at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/get-help/protect-yourself-from-scams

 

At about 6.25pm on 8 December 2004, Robert (Mark) Woodland was found by a member of the public in the South Parklands, about 50 metres west of Sir Lewis Cohen Drive, Adelaide.

He had been dead for several days by the time his body was discovered.

A number of personal belongings including his keys, ANZ ATM card, RAA plastic sleeve and jumper were missing.

A post-mortem examination found that the 36-year old had been the victim of a serious assault that had taken place some days earlier at that location.

Mr Woodland’s blue Commodore sedan registration number SA WYZ-736 was located nearby in the car park of Veale Gardens.

Mr Woodland left his home at Plympton Park in his vehicle about 9pm on Saturday 4 December 2004.

He did not return home or attend work and was reported missing on 6 December 2004.

Police believe that a member of the public saw Mr Woodland in the early hours of Sunday morning 5 December 2004. At that time, he was alone and did not appear to be in distress.

New forensic testing techniques on DNA recovered from the crime scene has provided a potential profile for a suspect connected with the cold case murder.

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

Watch an unsolved crime segment at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BziNsRCyml0

As many people plan to spend this Christmas closer to home because of ongoing travel restrictions and the impact of COVID-19, Crime Stoppers SA has launched a new awareness campaign in a range of languages to encourage all South Australians to share what they know about unsolved crimes and suspicious activity.

The “It’s what you know, not who you are” campaign has been developed in Arabic, Cantonese, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Mandarin, Punjabi and Vietnamese, to encourage people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities to come forward with information about criminals and their illegal activities.

Crime Stoppers SA Chair, Sharon Hanlon, said the Federally-funded initiative followed independent market research which found participants born overseas and who come from a non-English speaking background have lower levels of awareness of Crime Stoppers, despite the program now operating in 28 countries.

“Crime happens across all different cultural backgrounds, so we want to reinforce that Crime Stoppers is here for everyone. Even though some people might have come from countries that are war-torn or have an embedded distrust of police and authority, we are an independent program that acts as a trusted link for anyone wanting to share information about unsolved crime and suspicious activity without having to deal direct with the police,” Ms Hanlon said.

“The latest census data shows that we are a fast changing, ever-expanding, culturally diverse nation. Nearly half of all Australians are either born overseas or have one or both parents who was – and one-fifth of Australians speak a language other than English at home,” she said.

“Of the more than 6.1m Australians who were born overseas, nearly one in five arrived since the beginning of 2012, which shows the community is evolving rapidly, and it is critical that Crime Stoppers adapts and keeps pace.”

Australia’s leading Out of Home advertising company, oOh!media, has committed to promote the initiative at hundreds of prominent retail sites across the country as of late December.

Chief Commercial and Operations Officer at oOh!media, Noel Cook, encouraged other industry leaders to also support the volunteer-led charity and its crime-solving efforts.

“Crime Stoppers does a great job helping reduce crime in Australia, and we will use our extensive advertising network as a public noticeboard to support this campaign. With the scale of our retail-based displays, we have the power to reach a large number of Australians in prime locations,” Mr Cook said.

“We are proud to be supporting Crime Stoppers through our oOh! Community program and have a long history of working with several very worthy causes. This one really struck a chord because most Australians are aware of criminality, or have even been a victim of crime. We need to encourage people to contact Crime Stoppers without them having to worry about saying who they are and will therefore spread this messaging far and wide.”

In South Australia, an average of 25 crimes are solved every week, thanks to about 2000 contacts every month from the community. In 2019, Crime Stoppers SA received 22,598 calls and 4,539 online reports which resulted in 436 apprehensions and 859 charges laid.

The new Crime Stoppers materials include flyers, pull up banners, stickers, social media assets and a series of animated videos in the eight chosen languages.

“As we head into a Christmas period with a difference, we want everyone to remain active participants in community safety, stay alert for suspicious activity, and know they can share any information they have with Crime Stoppers for us to pass on to police,” Ms Hanlon said.

Our message is clear. Regardless of your background, everyone can play a part in making a safer Australia by contacting Crime Stoppers and sharing what they know without having to say who they are by calling our toll-free hotline on 1800 333 000 or going to www.crimestoppers.com.au

 

Lu Linh Le was last seen alive leaving the Royal Adelaide Hospital on 3 December 1984.

The Croydon man had been receiving treatment for a gunshot injury to a shoulder from a domestic dispute in September. A man was convicted and jailed over that shooting.

On the day of his disappearance, the 25-year old was seen in the company of a young woman. His clothing was left behind at the hospital.

Police say he may have been lured from the hospital on the pretence of going to see his girlfriend.

He was reported missing by his brother on 12 December and his disappearance was officially declared a major crime two years later.

In January 2013 the body of Mr Le was found in a shallow grave near Bakers Road at Long Plains, about 75km north of Adelaide. His body was partially clothed in hospital-issued pyjamas and his hospital identification tag was also located.

Several people of interest have been identified but no one has yet been charged with the murder.

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