Additional Shopping Precincts Declared

Under the Summary Offences Act 2025, police have been given additional powers to maintain public safety and weapons searches.

Following last Friday’s announcement, there are now 11 precincts in the Adelaide metropolitan area where police will conduct metal detector searches on any person or their property.

Assistant Commissioner, Narelle Kameniar said police have already used these laws to seize several weapons.

“To see police easily identifying dangerous knives in areas heavily frequented by the public, shows these powers are working,” Assistant Commissioner Kameniar said.

“The additional three precincts are another step in utilising this legislation to enhance public safety. In the future we will look at public events, transport hubs and services but this will take time.”

The new powers also enable police to order a person or group posing a risk to public safety to leave the shopping precinct for 24 hours. If they re-enter, or attempt to, there is a maximum penalty of $1250.

Maps showing the relevant declared areas, which include the above listed shopping centres, can be found on the SAPOL website (SAPOL - Declared Public Events and Places). If other areas or events are declared they will also be published on the SAPOL website and in the South Australian Government Gazette.