Crime series arrests in northern suburbs

Police will allege about 3.45am on Sunday 19 January, a group of people were seen on CCTV attempting to break into a store on Main North Road at Smithfield by ramming a shopping trolley into the front door of a shop.  The group did not gain entry into the shop.

A short time later the group attempted to break into another nearby business premises by damaging the lock and roller door.

Around the same time there was a break-in at a farmers’ market on Main North Road at Smithfield.  The victim advised there was extensive damage to the shop and items had been stolen.

About 5am on the same morning, four youths entered a service station on Hamblyn Road at Elizabeth Downs, police will allege the group stole items and staff members confronted them.  The youths were armed with knives and threatened the staff members.  They stole cigarettes before leaving the store.

Following an investigation, police arrested a 16-year-old boy from Craigmore, a 13-year-old boy from Parafield Gardens, a 14-year-old girl from Paralowie and a 13-year-old boy from Craigmore. They were all charged with robbery, serious criminal trespass and property damage.

The youths were refused bail and appeared in court on Monday.

The 13-year-old Craigmore boy was later granted home detention bail in court on Monday 20 January, but allegedly removed his ankle monitor bracelet on Monday night and was later arrested on Tuesday 21 January and was charged with further property and trespass offences. He was refused bail.