Here is a summary of the latest police and emergency services news on the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island.

Toddler dies in rural property crash

A child has died after being struck by a vehicle on a rural property at Mount Jagged.

The toddler was hit by the family four-wheel-drive on the property on Victor Harbor Road, Mount Jagged about 3.45pm on Friday 18 September.

Sadly, despite the efforts of paramedics at the scene, the 17-month-old girl could not be saved.

Major Crash investigators attended the scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Suspicious behaviour at Sellicks Beach

Police are investigating a report of suspicious behaviour at Sellicks Beach last week.

At around 9am on Thursday 17 September, a woman was out for a run when she noticed a white utility follow her slowly for several minutes along Gulfview Road in a westerly direction.  The driver never spoke to her and was last seen heading towards Country Road.

He is described as being Caucasian, aged in his mid 40s with a long dark beard. The ute is described as being a newer model white dual cab with a canopy. The woman was not physically injured.

Patrols searched the area but did not locate the vehicle or driver. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

Man arrested after elderly woman assaulted

Police have arrested a man after an elderly woman was assaulted in Victor Harbor in August.

At around 7am on Sunday 30 August, a woman in her 70s was walking her dog along the footpath of The Esplanade near Island Street, when a man riding a bike along the same footpath threatened the woman, then rammed his bike into the woman pushing her backwards causing her to fall.

The woman was assisted by a couple who were passing by. The victim broke her wrist in the incident and was treated in hospital.

After an investigation, Victor Harbor police arrested a 73-year-old man from Victor Harbor on Thursday 17 September.

The man has been charged with aggravated assault causing harm.  He was bailed to appear in the Victor Harbor Magistrates Court on 2 November.

Victor Harbor police have thanked the members of the local community who came forward with information that assisted with the investigation.

Driver of stolen car arrested 

Police have arrested a man after he was spotted driving a stolen car in the southern suburbs.

Just before 11am on Thursday 17 September patrols spotted a stolen Nissan Silvia on Grand Boulevard at Seaford but did not pursue it. Additional patrols converged on the area and maintained observations of the car from a distance as it drove through a number of southern suburbs.

A short time later police received information the car was in Rajah Street at Morphett Vale. Patrols made their way to that location and arrested the driver without incident.

A 23-year-old from Aldinga Beach has been charged with illegal use and driving disqualified. The arrested man didn't apply for bail and was expected to appear in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on Friday.

'Lock it or lose it' police urge South Coast residents

Southern District police have identified an increase in thefts from motor vehicles, especially where owners have failed to lock up! While some owners may choose not to lock their vehicle to try and prevent damage, it is known fact that offenders walking past parked cars often 'try' door handles.

Insecure cars are 'easy pickings' for opportunistic thieves; common items that get stolen include personal documents/ ID/ credit cards, cash, mobile phones, sunglasses, roller door remote controllers and tools.

Police encourage vehicle owners to always:

1)  Remove valuables from their vehicle.

2)  Lock their vehicle AND

3)  Where possible, secure the vehicle off the road and behind a locked gate or roller door.

If you observe any suspicious behaviour or have property stolen, report it immediately by calling the Police Assistance line on 131 444.

For more crime prevention tips and advice head to the SA Police website.

Police and Protective Security Officers recruitment

SAPOL has expanded its program of recruiting for police officers and protective security officers, with courses starting between October 2020 and January 2021.

Commissioner Grant Stevens says the accelerated recruitment of up to 72 police officers, is in response to the additional duties being undertaken due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Since the declaration was made under the Emergency Management Act, SAPOL has been continually reviewing resources within the organisation. This has resulted in employees from non-business critical areas assisting in the COVID-19 response,” Commissioner Stevens says.

“Our response to the pandemic has required the diversion of resources from normal policing duties and there is no way of knowing how long this pandemic will continue to affect us.”

“While it takes nine and a half months to train police recruits, given the uncertainty of COVID-19, this is an important step to ensure we are ready for whatever may eventuate throughout 2021 and beyond.”

“The pandemic has impacted upon our ability to provide normal policing services for the community and by recruiting additional staff we are better positioning ourselves to meet the increasing requirements on policing as we move forward.”

An additional 54 Protective Security Officers will also be recruited in the coming months. They will join 28 redeployed Protective Security Officers to assist with the COVID-19 response.

SA Police has already recruited and employed dedicated civilians to undertake COVID-19 activities across a range of functions.

Police Minister Vincent Tarzia says the boost in officers would help guard the community as the state continues its fight against COVID-19.

“The decision to fast-track more men and women to the frontline is another reason why South Australia is leading the way in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic,” he says.

“Our emergency service workers such as police and protective security officers are to be praised for putting themselves forward to support our community through these tough times.”

For people interested in applying there is information on the application and recruitment process for both Police Officers and Protective Security Officers on the SA Police website.