While the return of WOMADelaide over the weekend, the South Australian capital’s annual celebration of world music, was a success for all who attended and the artists, which included Sinead O’Connor and First Aid Kit, police did have to deal with one troublemaker.
According to a South Australia Police media release, a thief was caught red-handed during the event over the weekend. Just before 1am on Monday night, a police patrol was monitoring the crowd when they spotted a man rummaging through a backpack.
Police claimed that the man’s behaviour seemed suspicious and he was then seen picking up another backpack and a blanket and walk away. Police approached the man, who dropped the property and ran into the crowd. He was quickly apprehended.
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The 38-year-old man from Tanunda was then arrested and charged with two counts of theft. He was bailed and is scheduled to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 18th May and issued with a 72-hour barring order from the event.
The rightful owners of the stolen property reportedly attended the police van and had their property returned to them. Police are reminding punters to be vigilant when it comes to their property while attending events in Mad March.
As ABC News reports, WOMADelaide was a complete success otherwise, with Festival director Ian Scobie indicating the utmost satisfaction with attendance. “We’ve certainly broken all our previous records,” he said. “It’s the best attendance at WOMADelaide yet, which we’re really excited about.”
