One of the alleged Big Bird bandits is from Murray Bridge
Plus two teenagers are arrested after a police chase and officers seek information about a plant theft.
One of the men charged with the theft of a Big Bird costume from a circus this week is from Murray Bridge, police have revealed.
SA Police arrested two men, 26 and 22, over the Sesame Street swindle on Friday night.
One was from Norwood and the other from Murray Bridge, they said.
The pair are accused of stealing the oversized yellow bird costume from the Sesame Street Circus Spectactular at Bonython Park, in Adelaide’s parklands, last Sunday night or Monday morning.
It was recovered on Wednesday morning, when two men were reportedly seen leaving it leaning against an electricity box on Port Road, near the circus.
An apology letter was tucked in its beak.
“We are so sorry,” the note said.
“We had no idea what we were doing, or what our actions would cause.
“We were just having a rough time and were trying to cheer ourselves up.
“We had a great time with Mr Bird, he’s a great guy and no harm came to our friend.
“Sorry to be such a big birden – sincerely, the Big Bird bandits.”
The men were granted bail ahead of an appearance at Adelaide Magistrates’ Court on June 30.
Teenagers arrested after leading police chase from Murray Bridge to Mannum
Two boys, 15 and 14, have been arrested for allegedly stealing a ute and leading police on a wild chase.
Police were called to a property on Parkview Drive, in Murray Bridge’s Pathways estate, after an attempted break-in was reported just after 1.30am on Thursday.
When officers arrived, they spotted a Nissan Navara speeding out of nearby Starling Street.
Checks revealed it had been stolen from a house on Willowbark Crescent, a short distance away.
They followed it through back streets, onto Swanport Road, north onto Mannum Road and all the way to Mannum, where it crashed into a sign and came to a stop at the Randell Road T-junction.
Police arrested the two teens at the scene.
The ute’s alleged driver was charged with driving dangerously to escape police, while unlisenced and over the legal blood alcohol limit, and with property damage and carrying an offensive weapon; both teens were also charged with illegal use of a motor vehicle.
They were denied bail ahead of a court appearance back in Murray Bridge later on Thursday.
Police hope a little digging will uncover plant thieves
Finally, police have appealed for the public's help in finding whoever was responsible for stealing dozens of seedlings from the Adelaide Road linear park on the weekend of April 17 and 18.
Forty-two young plants, including grevilleas and pimeleas, were taken from the section of the park currently under development sometime between the Friday evening and Monday morning.
Anyone with information about the theft should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestopperssa.com.au.
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