Nearly 12,000 contacts in six months shows South Australians are speaking up

Posted on 11/09/2026

Almost 12,000 contacts were made to Crime Stoppers SA in the first six months of 2026, as South Australians continued to share what they know about unsolved crime and suspicious activity.

Between 1 January and 30 June 2026, Crime Stoppers SA received 11,921 contacts covering everything from drugs and firearms to theft, assaults, illicit tobacco, arson and unsolved murders.

Importantly, Crime Stoppers provides people with the opportunity to share information anonymously – without having to identify themselves.

Crime Stoppers SA CEO, Nigel Smart, said there were many different reasons why someone might reach the point where they decide to speak up.

“Sometimes it’s concern for someone they care about. Sometimes they’re worried about what’s happening in their neighbourhood, and sometimes they’ve simply reached the point where staying silent doesn’t feel right anymore,” Mr Smart said.

“Whatever brings someone to that moment, Crime Stoppers gives them a way to share what they know without having to say who they are.”

What South Australians are speaking up about

During the six-month period, Crime Stoppers received 561 contacts about methamphetamine and 395 about firearms. Another 841 contacts related to offences against people, including assaults, sexual assaults and domestic abuse, while 532 related to theft and 455 to illicit tobacco and vapes.

There were also 132 contacts about murders, including cold case homicides, and 75 about arson.

Mr Smart said people sometimes hesitate because they are unsure whether what they know is important enough to share.

“You don’t need to have all the answers, and you don’t need to investigate something yourself,” Mr Smart said.

“It might be a name, an address, a registration number, something you’ve overheard or activity you’ve noticed. What seems like a small detail to you could be the piece that matters.”

Sharing information can make a difference

The half-year results also demonstrate that information shared through Crime Stoppers can contribute to real outcomes.

During the first six months of 2026, Crime Stoppers information was associated with 6,271 actions, 156 apprehensions and 439 charges.

That included 64 apprehensions for serious drug offences and 16 for serious firearms offences.

Information shared with Crime Stoppers also contributed to the seizure of 63 firearms, 21.5kg of cannabis, 442g of methamphetamine, 176 litres of GHB and 2.1g of heroin. The cannabis seized was equivalent to more than 8,608 street deals, while methamphetamine seizures represented more than 4,424 street deals.

Every outcome starts with a moment

There is no single reason why someone contacts Crime Stoppers. It might be the moment you become concerned that somebody could get hurt. The moment you’ve had enough of criminal activity happening around you. The moment circumstances change – or simply the moment something you’ve seen or heard doesn’t sit right.

When that moment comes, you can share information anonymously with Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.

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