Media Releases

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

The shooting murder of Bora Altintas at Brompton in 1998 received widespread media attention, but his killer remains on the run.

The 30-year old was shot near a phone booth next to a fish and chip shop on Torrens Road at around 11.29pm on September 21, 1998.

He was hit by four bullets fired from a high-powered handgun.

Mr Altintas had been driven to the location from his home by an associate after having a heated phone conversation with another male.

It is suspected that Mr Altintas had gone to the location to meet the person he’d argued with to continue a discussion involving the supply/distribution of illicit drugs.

It is suspected that the person he met was either directly involved in the shooting or at least witnessed it.

His murder followed a previous attempt on his life in December 1996, when a shotgun was fired at him in his car.

Mr Altintas had an extensive criminal record and criminal associates, and at the time of his murder he was on home detention bail and was awaiting trial on two counts of selling heroin.

Police are yet have to charge anyone with the crime.

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 should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

It’s been 44 years since the fateful night that saw a visit to the local pub for Heironim Mydlak turn into a night of violence that would ultimately rob him of his life.

In the early hours of 20 September 1975 the 69-year old was walking home after a few drinks at the Mansfield Park Hotel when he was assaulted and robbed.

He was hit over the head with an object that could have possibly been a bottle, knocking him unconscious.

Sadly, he died seven days later in hospital after never regaining consciousness.

During the investigation two persons of interest were identified however no charges were ever laid against them.

Both of these persons are now deceased.

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

When Helen Joyce Courtney suddenly disappeared without a trace 28 years ago she was living at Ingle Farm with her husband.

The aged care nurse is believed to have gone missing around 20 September 1991 and was first reported missing by her mother on 24 September 1991.

Her husband then reported her missing on 26 September. He claimed to have last seen the 33-year old at 2pm on Friday 20 September 1991 when she dropped him off at a crash repair business on Bridge Road, Pooraka, and continued driving towards Adelaide to shop in the city.

Her white Mitsubishi Colt was later impounded by the Adelaide City Council after being covered in parking tickets in Franklin Street, Adelaide at the bus terminal.

The vehicle first received a parking ticket at 1.48pm on 20 September 1991 – before the time her husband said she dropped him off at Pooraka.

The normally messy car was oddly meticulously clean – with the most likely scenario being that whoever killed Ms Courtney deliberately placed the car in that location after cleaning it after using it to transport her body to an unknown location.

She is suspected to have been murdered and her body has never been found.

While investigators have a suspect in the long-running case, no one has ever been charged.

In 2008, detectives excavated a large area of the backyard of her former home at Ingle Farm but did not find any gravesite or remains.

A reward of up to $200,000 is 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