Seven arrested after stolen car found at St. Marys

Sometime between 5am and 6.30am yesterday (Thursday 30 July), a red Kia Cerato sedan was stolen from a house in Woodcroft after suspects had broken into the property.

Just after 4pm on the same day, the vehicle was seen at a shopping centre in West Lakes where three teenage boys were assaulted by a group of youths who had driven to the centre in the stolen Kia.

The suspects left the scene in the stolen car. The victims of the assault were not seriously injured.

About 5.15pm, the Kia was seen at a liquor store in Prospect where a large amount of alcohol was stolen.

Witnesses reported information about the theft to police including the registration of the car and suspects, after they were seen in the Somerton Park area harassing school students.

Extra patrols including PolAir and a police dog were called to assist in the search, with the vehicle tracked to sports ovals near Shepherds Hill Road at St. Marys where six suspects were apprehended around 6.20pm.

A 17-year-old boy, a 15-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl from Christie Downs, a 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy from Morphett Vale, a 16-year-old girl from North Brighton and a 14-year-old girl from McLaren Vale were charged with numerous offences including illegal use of a motor vehicle, theft and assault.

The two 17-year-old boys and the 15-year-old girl were refused bail to appear in court today (Friday 31 July).

The other four suspects were bailed to appear in court at a later date.

Anyone who may have witnessed any of the above offending and has not yet contacted police is urged to do so via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

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