OCTOBER was a busy month for Coober Pedy Police, with officers responding to a range of incidents across the township while continuing proactive operations aimed at reducing crime, improving road safety and maintaining community confidence.

Throughout the month, local police investigated a number of offences, resulting in several arrests, reports and court appearances, including:

• Two youths aged 13 and 14 were arrested and charged following investigations into break-ins at commercial premises on Paxton Street and Hutchison Street on 1 October.
• A 19-year-old Northern Territory woman was reported for drink driving and driving unlicensed after allegedly recording a blood alcohol reading of 0.216, more than four times the legal limit. Her vehicle was impounded.
• Two local men were detected allegedly drug driving during separate traffic operations after returning positive roadside tests for methamphetamine. Both were issued immediate licence disqualifications pending forensic analysis.
• A 23-year-old man and 20-year-old woman from Port Augusta were arrested following investigations into thefts from local businesses and the alleged assault of a service station employee. The woman was also charged over the theft of alcohol from a bottle shop and a restaurant break-in.
• A 35-year-old Coober Pedy man was arrested and charged with serious criminal trespass, assault and firearm offences following an incident where a resident allegedly discovered him inside a shed on a residential property. A BB gun was seized during the investigation.
• A 40-year-old local woman was arrested following a disturbance at a service station on 31 October, where property was allegedly damaged and a passing vehicle was struck by a thrown rock.
• A 57-year-old Victorian woman lost her licence for 12 months after allegedly refusing to provide a breath analysis sample following a collision with bollards at a local service station. Her vehicle was impounded for 28 days and she will appear before the court at a later date.

While these matters reflect the ongoing demand on local policing resources, they also demonstrate the value of information provided by community members, businesses and witnesses, which continues to assist police in identifying and apprehending offenders.

A significant focus for Coober Pedy Police throughout October has been alcohol-related offending and compliance within the township, particularly in and around the Hutchison Street main street precinct. Police have been working closely with SAPOL’s Licensing Enforcement Branch and Consumer and Business Services to ensure compliance with the current alcohol restrictions relating to the sale and supply of alcohol within Coober Pedy.

This work has included joint compliance activities, inspections and engagement with licensed premises, while local patrols have also continued to proactively enforce dry area legislation. These efforts are aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm, anti-social behaviour and public disorder, while supporting a safer environment for residents, businesses and visitors.

The community may also have noticed an increase in police numbers around town. Over recent months, a number of permanent police officers have transferred to Coober Pedy Police Station, strengthening local operational capability and reducing reliance on temporary staffing arrangements. Pleasingly, further permanent members are scheduled to commence duties over the next two months, providing additional capacity for proactive patrols, investigations, community engagement and regional policing responsibilities.

Acting Officer in Charge Sergeant David Finlayson said the ongoing support of the community plays an important role in helping police achieve positive outcomes.

“Many of the incidents we dealt with during October were resolved with assistance from local residents, businesses and witnesses who provided valuable information to police. We thank the community for that support and encourage people to continue reporting suspicious behaviour, criminal activity and unsafe driving. Working together helps keep Coober Pedy a safe place to live, work and visit.”

As we move into the warmer months and the busy tourist season, Coober Pedy Police remain committed to visible policing, road safety enforcement, alcohol compliance activities and maintaining strong partnerships with the community.