NATIONAL MISSING PERSONS WEEK 1 - 7 AUGUST 2010

In the past financial year over 7700 South Australians were reported missing. While around 99.5 per cent of these people are located within a short time, the impact on families, friends and the missing persons can be devastating. This figure is multiplied across the nation with an estimated 35 000 people reported missing in Australia each year.

Although most missing persons are located quickly, police in all states and territories dedicate approximately 120 000 hours annually to investigating the reports.

The theme for National Missing Persons Week 2010, When someone goes missing - A day spent waiting, is a day lost, is aimed at dispelling the myth that you should wait 24 hours before reporting someone missing and subsequently highlights the importance of the first 24 hours.

This year's event will be officially launched in Melbourne on Monday, 2 August 2010, and aims to raise the importance of this issue in respect to a missing person investigation.

Coordinated by the Australian Federal Police's National Missing Persons Coordination Centre, this year's program includes promotional events and activities initiated by state and federal police jurisdictions and other stakeholder agencies.

For further information about National Missing Persons Week, contact SAPOL's Missing Persons Investigation Section on telephone 817 25467.

Alcohol and Crime Report

SAPOL is committed to ensuring the community is continually informed on the changing relationship between crime and alcohol within our community. To support this commitment the Alcohol and Crime paper has been revised and is now available on this site.

The report titled 'Alcohol and Crime: Late night liquor trading' was prepared for SAPOL to outline the impact of alcohol misuse and violence, social disorder and drink driving in the city.

Visit the Alcohol and Other Drugs site for further information.

HYDROPONICS INDUSTRY CONTROL ACT 2009

The Hydroponics Industry Control Act 2009 commenced operation on 1 March 2010.

The transitional provisions contained within Schedule 1 of the Act and Schedule 2 of the Regulations expired on 31 May 2010.

As of 1 June 2010 prescribed equipment cannot be sold by retail unless granted a Hydroponics Equipment Dealer's licence pursuant to section 11 or an exemption pursuant to section 9 of the Act.

The following hydroponics equipment is prescribed equipment:

a) metal halide lights, high pressure sodium lights and mercury vapour lights of 400 watts or greater;

b) ballast boxes designed or intended for use in association with the above lights;

c) devices (including control gear, lamp mounts and reflectors) designed to amplify light or heat and capable of being used with the above lights;

d) carbon filters designed to filter air within a room, or from one area of a building to another or to outside;

e) units designed to contain plants and rotate around a light source so that the plants grow hydroponically while being exposed to a consistent degree of light or heat or both.

Businesses who are granted or intend to apply for a Hydroponics Equipment Dealer's licence, should ensure employees who perform prescribed duties apply for approval.

Click here for further information or email the Licensing Enforcement Branch or phone 820 42142.

Triple Zero Kids' Challenge

A new online computer game that teaches children aged between five and 10 the importance and appropriate use of the Triple Zero (000) emergency number has been launched.

The game features police, fire and ambulance services to deliver lessons on safety.

Children will learn the important information they need to provide to operators, such as which emergency service they need help from, what the nature of the emergency is and where the emergency is happening.

To visit the game, click here.

Further information..

Some Laser Pointers are now a prohibited weapon

On 17 April 2010 a regulatory amendment to the Summary Offences (Dangerous Articles and Prohibited Weapons) Regulations 2000 SA came into effect making hand-held laser pointers designed or adapted to emit a beam greater than 1 milliwatt (mW) a prohibited weapon.

Further Information

Important Online NPC Application Information

Records Release Unit implemented advanced scanning technology to process escalating volumes of National Police Check applications.

To help us process your application faster, please ensure that your printed application does not fall into any of the following 'scanner unfriendly' categories:

Operating system allows you to print a blank form and/or won't allow you to enter data
Forms print without barcode
Forms print without data boxes
Printed form appears reduced in size, skewed or off centre
Print is faint

If any of the above issues affect your online application, please attend a police station and request a printed copy.

Scanner unfriendly applications cannot be processed by the Records Release Unit and will be returned to the applicant.

PD267 Form Checklist

Ensure that non mandatory fields on the form that are not applicable are left blank (please refrain from using N/A, As Above etc)
When completing 'Other Names' fields (e.g. Maiden, Previous, Alias) include your Family Name and First Given Name/s
Ensure that the consent section on page 2 is signed
Ensure that the 100 Point Identification total is at least 100 points. (Cross check original documents against accepted ID documents listed in 'Proof of Identity' section on form).

The new online downloadable PD267 form is now available on the South Australia Police website.

Police urge community to provide information in fight against illegal drug activity

South Australia Police urges the community to come forward with information about illegal drug activity to assist in the fight against crime.

Superintendent Scott Duval, Officer in Charge of the Drug Investigation Branch, says South Australia Police (SAPOL) is committed to combating the illicit manufacture and sale of drugs across the State.

"Illicit drug activity is destructive to society. It destroys communities, families and lives. This unlawful activity can include the cultivation of cannabis, sale of illicit drugs such as heroin, cocaine, amphetamine or ecstasy, or involve the manufacture of illegal drugs in clandestine laboratories.

"We must work together to ensure that the community is safe. SAPOL continues to gather valuable information through various sources which assists with investigations and enables us to take appropriate action.

"One of these sources is from members of the public. Any piece of information can be important and we encourage anyone who knows where drug activity is taking place, or who is involved, to contact BankSA Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Callers can remain anonymous," Superintendent Duval says.

Police are asking the community to pay particular attention to suspicious activity. What to watch out for:

Indicators of illicit drug activity may include:

Blacked out windows
Extra padlocking on doors
Premises being used occasionally or late at night
Extensive security systems
Visitors who stay for short periods of time
People carrying unusual items in to the house such as large light shades and glassware.
Cannabis production in South Australia is a major criminal activity. The onset of warmer weather is the commencement of the 'growing season' for outdoor cannabis plants. Crops are usually grown in areas of native scrub vegetation and market garden areas.

Click here for further information

New Design for Academy Unveiled

Premier Mike Rann, along with Commissioner Mal Hyde, has this week unveiled the design plans for the new $59 million Police Academy redevelopment at Taperoo. A key feature of the new Academy will be a 'scenario village' made up of replica buildings and will include a bank, pharmacy, suburban house and police station/watch house.

"With a significant emphasis on scenario based learning, the village will be used to emulate situations often faced by police officers and have been incorporated to enhance training of members," Premier Rann says.

"This new facility will create a training environment that nurtures and supports a progressive and community focussed police service. The latest technologies will also be incorporated into the new classrooms and new buildings will adhere to a 5-star Green Star rating."

"This new training base will ensure the State's future police officers have the very best training facilities as they embark on their law enforcement careers," he says.

The Academy development project will also include a new physical training centre which will contain two large rooms, one with padded floors and walls and the other an exercise room with fitness equipment; accommodation block and auditorium which will be built near the existing indoor firing range.

Construction is planned to commence in March 2010 and is expected to be completed in November 2011.

'A Pictorial History 1838 - 2008'

As part of celebrations for the 170th anniversary of the foundation of the South Australia Police, a special book has been produced. It features a pictorial history of our organisation from 1838 to 2008.

The book is a tribute to the many fine men and women who have worked, and continue to work, so diligently, ethically and courageously for the South Australia Police during those years. It also highlights our high level of customer service to the South Australian community over the past 170 years.

For further information about this limited edition.

Breaking news...

Sexual assault - Bedford Park (30/07/2010)

Sturt Police are investigating the report of an indecent assault which occurred at about 8.15pm last night at BedfordPark. More..

Two men arrested in stolen car at Christies Beach (29/07/10)

Christies Beach Police have arrested two teenage boys after they were located in an alleged stolen vehicle at Christies Beach overnight. More..

Kids, Cops and Karts (28/7/10)

South Australia Police will be holding the official launch of a crime prevention programme Kids, Cops and Karts at 11am on Thursday 29 July. The launch will be held at Mount Young Raceway, Lincoln Highway, Whyalla. Kids, Cops and Karts is a crime prevention initiative aimed at reducing the incidence of youth offending. The go-karting programme was designed to engage youths who have committed or are at risk of committing offences. More...

Man arrested for crime series (28/07/2010)

Elizabeth Police yesterday located and arrested a 22 year old man at Brahma Lodge and charged him with breach of bail. More..

Hotel break-in at Pooraka (27/07/2010)

Holden Hill Police are investigating a hotel break-in overnight. More..

Two arrested for Hodgson murder (26/07/2010)

Detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Branch have arrested two men for the murder of Karen Hodgson. More....

Car stolen at knife point at Smithfield (26/07/2010)

Police are still looking for a man who stole a car from a fast food outlet at Smithfield yesterday. More..

Two males arrested for aggravated robbery at Magill (23/7/2010)

Eastern Adelaide Police have arrested two males following an incident at Alton Avenue, Magill overnight. At about 2.40am police responded to reports that a taxi driver had been assaulted and robbed by a number of males. More...

Man wanted for parole breach (22/7/2010)

South Australia Police are asking for the public's help to locate a man who has breached his parole. Jamie Kym Tanner was released from prison on parole on 15 May 2009. The 33 year old is wanted in relation to a warrant that was issued by the Parole Board on 22 July 2010. The warrant relates to breaches of his parole conditions. More...

Aggravated robbery at Elizabeth North (22/07/2010)

Elizabeth Police are investigating an aggravated robbery at an Elizabeth North hotel. More..

Firearm levelled at police officer (21/07/2010)

Western Adelaide Police are investigating an incident at Woodville North overnight. More..

Police vehicle set alight (20/07/2010)

Eyre and Western Police are investigating a suspicious fire where a police vehicle was destroyed at Streaky Bay. More..

Robbery in the CBD (19/07/2010)

Eastern Adelaide Police are investigating an aggravated robbery in Currie Street in the city overnight. More..

Man arrested after police pursuit at Hindmarsh (16/07/2010)

A man has been arrested after a police pursuit with a stolen car last night at Hindmarsh. More..

Fatal crash at Clovelly Park (15/07/2010)

A young man has died after being hit by a car on South Road, Clovelly Park last night. More..

Schools targeted overnight (14/7/2010)

Police are asking for public assistance after two primary schools were vandalised and property stolen overnight. More

Historical sexual offence arrest (13/07/2010)

Detectives from the Sexual Crime Investigation Branch have arrested a 50 year old man from the Eyre Peninsula, for unlawful detention and rape. More

Identity theft (13/7/10)

Major Fraud Section are investigating a series of dishonesty offences where a man has used a forged UK passport and false address to open savings accounts with four of the major banks in Adelaide's southern suburbs. To view CCTV images of a suspect, click here...

Sexual Assault - Warradale (13/7/10)

Detectives from the Sexual Crime Investigation Branch are investigating the sexual assault of a 17 year old girl that is alleged to have occurred in the front yard of a home on Morphett Road Warradale. More..

Shooting incident at North Adelaide (12/7/10)

Eastern Adelaide Police are investigating an incident where a firearm has been discharged at a home in North Adelaide this morning. At about 12.40am residents of a home in Childers Street heard gunshots. Police attended and found a number of shots had been fired into the front of the home. More...

Young driver lucky to be alive (7/7/2010)

A young country P plate driver is lucky to be alive after he crashed a car near Moonta yesterday afternoon. At about 4.20pm, a Maitland patrol on mobile laser duties on the Moonta to Maitland Road detected a Ford sedan allegedly travelling at 172km/hr in the opposite direction. More...

Taxi driver threatened at Renown Park (7/7/2010)

Western Adelaide Police are investigating an attempted aggravated robbery on a taxi driver overnight. At about 3.30am, a taxi went to an address on Torrens Road, Renown Park. When the driver arrived, three men approached the taxi with two of the men armed with hammers. They smashed windows of the taxi before demanding money. More...

Robbery at Clovelly Park (02/07/2010)

Sturt Police are investigating a robbery that occurred at a hotel at ClovellyPark overnight. More..

Box drug lab found in car boot at Dulwich (01/07/2010)

Eastern Adelaide CIB members attended at an address in Mill Street, Dulwich yesterday to make enquiries in relation to illicit drugs. More...

Man missing from Salisbury (25/06/2010)

Elizabeth Police are seeking assistance form the public to locate a 31 year old man missing from Salisbury. More...

Murder Arrest (17/6/10)

Major Crime detectives have arrested a 48 year old man from Paradise for the murder of Malaika Mukantare. More..

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Ongoing investigations...

Karen Hodgson Murder Investigation (28/6/10)

At about 2.30am, Monday 19 April, 2010, Ms Hodgson was at her home address when 3 men forcibly entered the home. During this incident, Ms Hodgson was shot and killed. More....

Agape Ministries Operation (20/5/2010)

Detectives from the Major Fraud Investigation Section are coordinating a significant operation looking at alleged illegal activities of the Agape Ministries. The operation began yesterday with the search of ten premises, some of which are owned, occupied or associated with the Agape Ministries. These properties were located across the metropolitan and near-country areas. Detectives are continuing their investigations today at two of the properties. More...

Craig Leonard - Declared major crime (24/3/10)

The disappearance of missing Salisbury East man Craig Leonard has been declared a major crime. The investigation is being conducted by the Major Crime Investigation Branch in conjunction with the Elizabeth Local Service Area. More...

Public appeal - Hills Bandit (15/4/2010)

South Australia Police Operation Counteract Detectives are renewing their appeal for public assistance to help locate a man who they believe has robbed ten banks in the Adelaide Hills area and Balaklava between May 2004 and June 2009. A $100,000 reward is on offer for information leading to the arrest and conviction of this man, who has robbed each bank at gun point using a semi-automatic assault rifle to threaten staff and customers. More...

"Phreaking" Investigation (23/2/10)

Detectives from the South Australia Police, Electronic Crime Section, have been investigating a recent incident involving a local Adelaide business and hundreds of unauthorised phone calls billed to their account. More...

Aggravated robbery series - Northern Suburbs (22/2/10)

Detectives from Operation Counteract, Organised Crime Investigation Branch, are seeking the assistance of the public to help identify a man and a woman who are believed to be responsible for a series of six aggravated robberies committed on businesses in the northern suburbs. To view CCTV images of the two suspects, click here...

Plea for witnesses to fatal crash at Stepney (31/5/2010)

A 41 year old man from Norwood is the fourth cyclist to die on South Australian roads so far this year. At about 6.55pm on Saturday night the cyclist was riding across Payneham Road, Stepney when he was struck by a car and injured. Whilst lying on the road, a second car struck the man who died at the scene. More...

Witnesses sought to fatal crash at Aldinga (28/5/2010)

South Australia Police Major Crash investigators are seeking witnesses to a fatal crash on Main South Road, Aldinga. The crash occurred at about 6.30pm on Wednesday 27 May, 2010 and near the intersection with Malpas Road. More...

Witnesses sought to fatal collision at Colonel Light Gardens (12/2/10)

At about 9.15 am on Friday 5 February, a collision occurred on Goodwood Road at Colonel Light Gardens when a white Daihatsu sedan struck a pedestrian. The elderly female pedestrian later died of her injuries in hospital. More...

Vehicle explosion at Enfield - Declared a Major Crime (11/2/10)

A vehicle explosion occurred at about 5.20 am this morning in Truscott Road, Enfield. Two men, believed to have been in the vehicle at the time of the explosion, were located deceased at the scene. More...

Stalking suspect sought (25/1/10)

Holden Hill Police with assistance from Sexual Crime Investigation Branch are investigating a number of stalking offences occurring in and around Para Hills West. Police have obtained information from witnesses and a likeness of the suspect has been produced. More...

Missing Whyalla Man - Henry (Harry) Houston (27/11/09)

The disappearance of Harry Houston has been declared a major crime. More...

Missing Whyalla man - Henry (Harry) Houston (21/11/09)

Detectives from Whyalla CIB and Major Crime Investigation Section are investigating the disappearance of Mr Henry (Harry) Houston (see SAPOL Media Release dated 3 November 2009). A large scale search of the Whyalla area started yesterday and will continue throughout today utilising local police and SES volunteers.

The last confirmed sighting of Mr Houston was between 11.00 am and 12.15 pm on Friday 30 October 2009 when he left his Jasmine Drive, Whyalla address in his red Toyota 4Runner registered WBD-495. (see photos of vehicle by selecting 'More'). More....

Fatal hit run - Cold Case Investigation (11/11/2009)

South Australia Police Major Crash Investigation Unit is conducting a fresh investigation into the death of Sean Pascoe, 26 years late of The Esplanade, Coffin Bay. Fresh information has been received which instigated a review of the case and the initiation of a new investigation. More...

Property may help solve murder of David Fletcher (7/10/09)

Major Crime Detectives are hoping that someone will recognise property found with the skeletal remains of murder victim David Fletcher in the Poona Copper Mine at Moonta in April this year. The property includes a large red floor rug and a black bomber-style jacket with 'Northridge Rovers' embroidered on the back. For more information and to view images of items identical to those found with the remains of Mr Fletcher, click here...

Murder of Corinna Marr (7/8/09)

Major Crime detectives today announced there will be a review of the unsolved murder of Corinna Marr. Ms Marr was murdered in her Collingswood unit on Friday 4 July 1997. No person has been charged with her murder. More

Susan Goodwin disappearance (22/7/09)

Major Crime Detectives are asking for any information from the public about two vehicles seen near Susan Goodwin's home address in Port Lincoln just before her disappearance in 2002. Her disappearance has been declared a Major Crime, and Police suspect she met with foul play. More...

Other...

Alcohol and crime report released (16/5/10)

A report titled 'Alcohol and Crime: Late night liquor trading and the real cost of a big night out in the Adelaide CBD' which was prepared for South Australia Police (SAPOL) has been released for public comment. More...

Mobile Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras (23/9/09)

Assistant Commissioner Bronwyn Killmier has confirmed South Australia Police are trialling Mobile Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras in four patrol cars. The trial, underway until the end of the year, will measure the success of the initiative before a decision is made on whether SAPOL will expand the number of ANPR cameras. More...

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