Murray Bridge teenager arrested over car theft

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A 17-year-old Murray Bridge boy has been charged with theft and other offences after allegedly being caught behind the wheel of a stolen car on Sunday evening.

Police originally spotted the silver Honda Jazz driving along Adelaide Road around 5.30pm.

The hatchback had been reported stolen at Prospect early on Saturday morning, then used in thefts at Noarlunga on Saturday and in Murray Bridge on Sunday.

A police helicopter followed the car along the South Eastern Freeway towards Mount Barker.

At the first exit, the driver allegedly did a U-turn onto the wrong side of the freeway before exiting and heading along Bald Hills Road.

He eventually stopped on Barratt Avenue, a back street near the hospital, where police arrested him.

The teenager was due to face charges including theft, illegal use of a motor vehicle and driving while unlicensed in the Adelaide Youth Court on Monday.

Motorcycle thief arrested

Meanwhile, police have also arrested a Murray Bridge man for the alleged theft of at least two motorbikes.

Officers spotted the 28-year-old on Verdun Road around 8pm on Saturday, standing next to a blue Yamaha motorbike, and attempted to talk to him, but he ran off.

They chased him down and arrested him.

As it turned out, the bike had been stolen in Murray Bridge on January 5.

At the man’s home, officers allegedly found a Honda CT110 motorbike which had been reported stolen in 2019, plus “numerous” motorbike parts which they believed had been obtained illegally, stripped and reused.

Police granted the man bail ahead of a hearing at Murray Bridge Magistrates Court on March 17, where he will face charges of unlawful possession and illegal use of a vehicle.

Have you seen this e-scooter?

Police hope to go three for three on stolen vehicles this week, as they are seeking information about the theft of an electric scooter in Murray Bridge.

The Yamali e-scooter was stolen from the lower level car park at Murray Bridge Marketplace sometime between 4pm and 8pm on Thursday.

Anyone with information which may help with the investigation should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.

Drivers penalised

A few drivers have been caught breaking the rules on local roads over the past fortnight, including:

• A 60-year-old Millicent man who allegedly tested positive to cannabis while driving on the Old Princes Highway at Murray Bridge East on Sunday; he lost his licence for three months and may face court
• A 27-year-old Glenalta man who allegedly returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.105, more than double the legal limit, on Alma Avenue, Murray Bridge on Sunday; he lost his licence for six months and will face a drink driving charge in court
• A 66-year-old Wellington man who allegedly tested positive for cannabis after allegedly being caught doing 124 kilometres per hour in a 110 zone on Reedy Creek Road, Tepko on Sunday; he was fined $1060, lost three demerit points, lost his licence for three months and may face court
• A 35-year-old Gifford Hill man who allegedly crashed his car into a tree on Pallamana Road, Pallamana on Friday while on methamphetamine, having already been disqualified from driving; he had his driving ban extended by three months and may yet face court
• A 29-year-old Victorian man allegedly caught doing 108 kilometres per hour in the 60 zone on the Princes Highway at Tailem Bend on January 31; he was fined $2059, lost his licence for six months on the spot and was also given nine demerit points
• An 18-year-old Murray Bridge man who was allegedly caught riding a petrol-powered bicycle on Cawte Street on the same day; officers reported him, confiscated the bike and warned that he needed to be licensed, registered and insured to ride it

Tradies’ breakfast held

Finally, police have held a crime prevention breakfast for tradies at Bunnings Murray Bridge.

About 50 tradespeople headed along on January 30 to have their tools engraved or marked with UV pens, and to pick up theft prevention advice relevant to their trades.

To prevent theft, tradies are advised to:

• Keep worksites secure with fencing and locked tool containers, and by keeping keys safe
• Install CCTV and put up signage
• Mark tools with engraving or a UV pen, either yourself or at any police station – use your driver’s licence number, but add an “S” for South Australia at the start
• Have material delivered when you need it instead of leaving it sitting around, especially on weekends or public holidays

Another SA Police breakfast will be held at Bunnings Murray Bridge from 7-9am on March 6, with a focus on women in apprenticeships.