Is there a crime wave happening in Adelaide, and are stronger police powers working? – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

Reports of anti-social behaviour in Adelaide’s CBD including intoxication, large gatherings, street harassment, and shop theft has seen media headlines declaring a “crime wave” in the city. 

But are the claims accurate?

What has been reported so far? 

Businesses and city-dwellers have been raising concerns about anti-social behaviour in Adelaide’s CBD in recent months — especially in the North Terrace precinct.

Law student-turned-opposition staffer Simran Bacchal said she regularly felt fearful working in her family’s Bank Street cafe, and had considered abandoning the CBD for a “safer” location.

“We would witness a crime near the cafe every single day,” she said.

“We just don’t know what comes next — [people] might hit you, or they might get aggressive, and there have been multiple occasions where this has happened in the cafe.”

Ms Bacchal said every Monday morning was spent cleaning “alcohol, spit and bodily fluids” from the front of the cafe, pushing her customers away.

Owner of O’Connell’s Bookshop, Ben O’Connell, said property damage was common in the area, especially overnight, and greater police presence was always welcome.

But he said he had not witnessed anything to suggest a “crime wave”.

What do the…