April 13, 2025

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Incident Overview
A 19-year-old woman was allegedly dragged from her car by a man during a theft attempt at the Seaford Central Shopping Centre carpark in South Australia on Saturday, April 13, 2025 , at approximately 9:00 pm . Witnesses intervened, detaining the suspect until police arrived. The victim was unharmed, and a 20-year-old man from South Brighton has been charged with aggravated robbery .

Location and Time

  • Incident Date: Saturday, April 13, 2025 (9:00 pm).
  • Location: Carpark near Commercial Road, Seaford Central Shopping Centre, South Australia.

Incident Details

  • The victim was seated in her parked car when approached by the suspect, who initially asked for a lift.
  • After a brief conversation, the man allegedly reached into the vehicle and dragged the teen out.
  • Witnesses intervened, restraining the suspect until police arrived.

Injuries

  • The victim was not physically injured but likely experienced emotional distress.
  • The suspect was detained without reported injuries.

Community Response
Local witnesses acted swiftly to detain the suspect, with South Australia Police praising their intervention:

“We thank the members of the public for their swift action and coming to the young woman’s aid.”

The incident has raised awareness about safety in shopping center carparks, particularly during nighttime hours.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

  • Suspect: A 20-year-old South Brighton man charged with **aggravated robbery**.
  • Court Appearance: Scheduled for **Monday, April 15, 2025**, at Christies Beach Magistrates Court.
  • Bail Status: Refused police bail.

Police Investigation
The South Australia Police are investigating the incident, focusing on:

  • The suspect’s motives and actions leading to the theft attempt.
  • CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to corroborate events.
  • Potential links to other incidents in the area.

Appeal for Information
Authorities urge anyone with additional details, dashcam footage, or CCTV recordings from the Seaford Central Shopping Centre carpark around 9:00 pm on April 13 to contact police.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact:

Safety Context
This incident underscores the importance of:

  • Remaining vigilant in public carparks, especially at night.
  • Securing vehicles and avoiding interactions with strangers in isolated areas.
  • Community intervention while prioritizing personal safety during emergencies.