Police have recovered a large quantity of items believed to have been stolen from the Mount Gambier Showgrounds last week.
Separate buildings in the showgrounds were broken into four nights in a row last week, causing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage.
The site was targeted on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights with the damage estimated to cost over $3000 in repairs.
On Saturday police announced they had arrested a man who was found with stolen property in Mount Gambier on Friday.
Police responded to reports of two men acting suspiciously on Commercial Street in Mount Gambier about 8.30am on Friday.
Officers attended and located the two men with a car and had cause to search the vehicle where they located a number of items believed to have been stolen from the showgrounds between March 9-12.
Police arrested and charged a 22-year-old man from Mount Gambier in relation to the break-ins and his bail was refused.
He was scheduled to appear in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court yesterday.
A SAPOL spokesperson said investigations were continuing in regard to the second man.
A Mount Gambier Show spokesperson said the arrest and subsequent recovery of the stolen property was “great news to end a trying week”.
“We are thankful for the incredible support of our community,” the spokesperson said.
“We’d like to express our gratitude to the South Australian Police for their efforts and work to resolve this matter and to Blue Lake Security for their continued support and expertise in upgrading our security measures.
“We are reviewing our security and will make every effort to provide peace of mind to all users of our facilities throughout the year, during the annual show and beyond.
“Thank you again for standing with us during this challenging time. Your support has been a beacon of hope and a reminder that together, we can overcome any obstacle. We’re honoured to be part of this community and look forward to creating many more wonderful memories with you.”
Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
