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

Charges laid over house fire in Victor Harbor

A man has been charged following a house fire in Victor Harbor last week.

It will be alleged that about 6.30am Monday 6 January police and fire crews were called to a house in Acraman Street, after reports of a large fire.

The blaze caused extensive damage to the property, which was unoccupied at the time.

Further investigations led police to speak to a 24-year-old Victor Harbor man, who police will allege was a resident of the house.

The man was taken to hospital but has now been charged with arson and carrying an offensive weapon. He was bailed to appear at the Victor Harbor Magistrates Court at a later date.

Suspicious behaviour at Silver Sands

Police are investigating a report of suspicious behaviour at Silver Sands last week and are seeking any information from the public.

About 1pm on Wednesday 8 January, police received a report of a man acting suspiciously near a public toilet block at Silver Sands beach.

Patrols attended the area and spoke to several people in the vicinity, however, the man was not located.

He is described as aged in his 40s, with a dark or tanned complexion, dark curly hair and wearing a light blue shirt.

Police ask anyone who was in the area or who has any information that may help police to identify this man to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.

If you match this description and were at Silver Sands beach last Wednesday, police encourage you to contact Crime Stoppers or local police.

Traffic roundup

At about 5.30 pm on Wednesday 8 January, a police patrol on Kaurna Ave Hayborough, stopped a 28-year-old woman from Seaford Rise in relation to driving with a disqualified licence.  

The woman was also charged with stating a false name and given a drug diversion after she was found in possession of an illicit drug. The woman's car was also impounded for 28 days and she will appear in court at a later date.

Just before 7pm on Saturday 11 January, a police patrol on Torrens Street at Victor Harbor stopped an 83-year-old woman from Port Elliot.  Police checks showed that the woman's driver's licence had been suspended due to medical reasons until 2024.  

The elderly woman was reported for driving with a suspended licence and her car was impounded for 28 days.

Police begin traffic Operation aimed at keeping cyclists safe

As the excitement for Tour Down Under increases daily, so too does the number of cyclists on our roads.

In order to help keep these vulnerable road users safe, South Australia Police have implemented Operation Safe Cycling, which aims to deter high-risk behaviours by motorists and cyclists that contribute to death and serious injuries.

The state-wide traffic operation is also used by Police to actively encourage cyclists and motorists to safety share the road to show mutual courtesy and respect.

Starting at 12.01am this morning, Monday 13 January, the Operation will run throughout the Tour Down Under, and will end at 11.59pm on Sunday 26 January.

Inspector Cynthia Healey, Acting Officer in Charge of the Traffic Services Branch, says the fortnight-long Operation is the perfect time for the community to acknowledge that road safety is a shared responsibility.

“Cyclists have an important role to play in ensuring their own safety, and they need to always remember their helmet and obey traffic signals.

“They should also remember that they can ride no more than two abreast – even when riding in a large group. Exercise courtesy, and remember that sharing the road is a two-way street.

“In a similar vein, motorists also need to keep an eye out for these cyclists, and also remain respectful towards them, because there are very real consequences involved.

“In 2019, four cyclists lost their lives in South Australia – that’s four people who did not welcome the New Year, and who have left behind family and friends.

“Additionally, last year 72 cyclists also sustained serious injuries, while another 508 were injured.

“We want everyone to remain safe across this state, and Police will take appropriate action against both drivers and cyclists who fail to comply with the Australian Road Rules.”

For information about the Tour Down Under please visit the TDU website.

For full details of road closures and parking restrictions during the Tour please visit the road closures page. 

For details on cyclists road rules and safety please visit the state government website.