Pub robbed next to cop shop
A pub in Adelaide was robbed, despite being next door to a police station.
The Griffins Hotel on Hindmarsh Square was allegedly robbed by two men aged between 20 and 30 who entered the gaming room at about 7.30pm and smashed a pokie machines which delivered hundreds of dollars.
Owner Adam Vonthethoff’s mother was duty manager at the time but was unharmed in the incident.
“I’ll be honest with you, she’s a bit shaken by how brazen it all was, quite early on a weekday … and these sort of things can happen in plain sight,” Vonthethoff said.
The pub has been hit several times in the past 12 months, which has also caused thousands of dollars worth of property damage.
Vonthethoff said petty crime and vandalism were on the rise.
“You’re not surprised anymore. It’s nearly a case of what’s going to happen today?” he said.
“We’ve needed to replace toilet seats, mirrors, wi-fi equipment, anything that’s not bolted down – it’s really disappointing.
“It’s becoming more prevalent during the day and into the evening. They’re literally just walking off the street and for no reason, and often you’re unaware of the damage until you stumble across it.
“We’ve only just had the pub repainted and then, five minutes later, you’ve got to get it repainted again. It’s very frustrating.”
A decrease in office workers and an increase in homelessness has exacerbated the issue.
“It’s a real social issue. There’s more homeless people around, I’m seeing more homeless on the streets than ever before,” he said.
“I can understand those people’s frustration as well.
“I’m just concerned about any escalation in petty crime that could lead to more dangerous, brazen crime. I’m concerned about the future of where this behaviour is taking us.”
Police are seeking witnesses to the latest incident.
Jonathan Jackson, 17th June 2024
