Here is a summary of the latest police news on the Fleurieu.

Kangaroo Island bushfire advice message

The Coopers Road fire at Duncan is not yet contained but the fire's spread has been slowed.

The fire is still moving:

In a northerly direction towards the coast.

In a westerly direction towards Snug Cove road.

In a southerly direction towards Colmans road, Berrymans road, North Coast road and the Playford Highway.

In an easterly direction towards King Georges road, Mays road and Ahwans road.

There are still active spots of fire within the fireground.

Plans are currently being developed to secure the fire edge over the coming week. This will include numerous firefighters and appliances traveling to the island from the mainland to assist the local crews.

There will be a couple of operations undertaken today, Monday 23 December. They will consist of burning current unburnt pockets of vegetation within the fireground while at the same time there will be back burning conducted on the eastern side of the fire (south of Middle River). This will generate an increase of smoke from the fireground.

To ensure your safety, and that of firefighters and other emergency personnel, please do not enter the area unless necessary. Hazards may include reduced visibility due to smoke, fallen trees blocking roads and emergency vehicles operating in the area.

Residents in the area are advised to remain vigilant and to continue checking and following your Bushfire Survival Plan.

For updates visit the CFS website or phone the Bushfire Information Hotline on 1800 362 361.

Traffic roundup

About 6.50pm on Wednesday 18 December, police received a call about a near miss collision on Nine Mile Road, Milang with a car that was swerving all over the road. The witness followed the car and when it stopped, took the car keys from the driver and waited for police patrols to arrive.

The driver allegedly refused a roadside breath test.

A 46-year-old woman from Milang was arrested and charged with drink driving offences, resisting arrest and assaulting police after she lunged at the officer and bit his arm. She was issued with a 12-month immediate loss of licence and had her vehicle impounded. She was bailed to appear in the Mount Barker Magistrates court on 13 February 2020. 

At 11.25am on Thursday 19 December, police stopped a 41-year-old Morphett Vale man driving on Franklin Parade, Encounter Bay. Checks on the man’s licence revealed he was not an authorised person to drive a motor vehicle. He was arrested and charged with this offence and will appear in court at a later date. His vehicle was also impounded.

Road toll changes to lives lost

South Australia Police last week announced a new approach to the language used for the road toll.

At a press conference, Superintendent Bob Gray, Officer in Charge of the Traffic Services Branch, and Minister for Police Corey Wingard, announced that South Australia Police will use the term ‘lives lost’ when talking about road fatalities.

Previously the term ‘road toll’ has been used, but given the horror year on the state’s roads, Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens has decided a strong change of language is needed.

At the public announcement, Superintendent Bob Gray said he was committed to implementing the change.

“This new approach better highlights the very real human loss we’re seeing on our roads.

“As many people have seen, or experienced first-hand, these roads deaths impact so many people in our community; friends, family, partners, and colleagues.

“The use of 'lives lost' better represents the individuals who have died on our roads, and shows that these were real lives rather than just a number.”

Minister for Police Corey Wingard said it has been a particularly shocking year on South Australian roads.

“More than 100 people have lost their lives on South Australian roads this year, these are people who won’t be spending Christmas with their families and loved ones.

“As we head into the holiday period, I want to issue a personal plea to South Australia: please stay safe, don’t make stupid choices, don’t rush and don’t become distracted. Think about the people you’ll leave behind.”

South Australia Police have also asked local media to adopt this language change in their road safety reporting. 

From Wednesday 1 January 2020, SAPOL will officially replace ‘road toll’ with ‘lives lost’ across all platforms, including in media releases, press conferences, interviews and digital media.

Police urge motorists to lock vehicles

In the lead up to Christmas, South Australia Police have issued a warning to car owners to lock up vehicles and not to leave valuables in sight following a recent increase in thefts from cars.

Incidents have occurred across all days of the week and at all times of the day and night. 

Items targeted include: cash, credit cards, bags, driver's licences, wallets and vehicle registration plates. 

Drivers please ensure you follow the below Crime Prevention tips: 

• Close your vehicle windows
• Conceal valuables (do this before you park as you may be watched) 
• Remove all valuables from your vehicle if you can’t conceal them (including roller door remote controls)
• Remove any documents which may identify the home addresses and details of the owners
• Lock your vehicle doors and do not leave spare keys hidden in or on your vehicle
• Park in well lit and highly visible areas
• Park your vehicle off the road and if possible in a locked garage
• Do not place your name, address or registration number on your key-tag
• Carry your keys with you.  DO NOT leave them at home when you go out.
• Replace your number plate screws with non reversible screws to help prevent having your number plate stolen (available from the RAA).

Visit the SAPOL websites for crime prevention information.