Cops flag fast-tracking taskforce after metro beach brawl
SA Police are considering fast-tracking its summer taskforce after dozens of young people swarmed to see fighting at a popular metro beach. Numerous videos are emerging.
SA Police officials are considering bringing forward its Operation Jericho public safety plan after several fights reportedly occurred at Henley Square and Glenelg on Tuesday evening.
SA Police rapidly attended Henley Square after receiving reports of a commotion, with footage circulating online showing dozens of young people running across Seaview Road towards a fight that had reportedly broken out.
One TikTok video from an anonymous account claimed “someone had a glass bottle”, while another account claimed there were “four fights”.
There were no reports of assaults or injuries from the incidents, according to police, who are continuing to investigate the ruckus at Glenelg and Henley Beach.
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The police investigations include searching social media platforms to identify if the fights were organised and to find those responsible.
Acting Assistant Police Commissioner David O’Donovan said today “because of the nature of the incidents, the majority of the crowd that had gathered had dispersed” by the time police arrived at the scene around 6pm.
O’Donovan said after “several disturbances” yesterday, SA Police are considering bringing forward Operation Jericho, which usually runs from the end of October until mid-April, increasing coastline policing powers during the warmer months.
This included extra police numbers in the area and focused on offending around licensed beachside bars and restaurants.
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“Operation Jericho addresses incidences of crime, public disorder and road safety along the metropolitan coastline in summer months,” O’Donovan said.
Tuesday was SA’s warmest September day since 1961, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, with Adelaide temperatures reaching 34.4C in the early afternoon.
“Adequate police resources were deployed along the metropolitan foreshore yesterday because of the warmer weather and increased numbers of people attending these locations,” O’Donovan said.
“Anti-social behaviour at public locations that impacts the well-being of the community will not be tolerated.”
Police also have powers to search people in South Australian shopping centres which will continue until next year, and a Declared Public Precinct covering Adelaide CBD including Rundle Mall, has been renewed until January 9, 2027.
The city precinct was established in 2023 and stretches from West Terrace to Pulteney Street and North Terrace to Currie Street, as well as a section between Montefiore Road and King William Street, which includes Parliament House, the Adelaide Festival Centre and Elder Park.
Among powers given to police in Declared Public Precincts is the right to conduct metal detector searches to find weapons or drug searches.
Police can also ban a person from the area for up to 24 hours if they commit an offence, are offensive or behave in a disorderly manner.
SA Police said anyone with information relating to yesterday’s fights is asked to contact Crime Stoppers, and you can remain anonymous.
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