A shocking attack on a 43-year-old woman in Rundle Mall, Adelaide, has prompted retail workers to advocate for enhanced safety measures across local shopping areas. The incident occurred around midday when Scott Michael Antrobus, 37, allegedly assaulted the victim, who was shopping with her daughter. Eyewitnesses reported that the woman cried for help, leading several bystanders to intervene and hold Antrobus down until police arrived approximately 15 minutes later.
In response to the attack, the Retail Workers Union is urging a thorough assessment of security protocols in Rundle Mall and other shopping centres in South Australia. Assistant Secretary Jordan Mumford emphasised the need for a review by the state government regarding the existing laws and regulations governing shopping centre operators and their security obligations.
One of the union’s recommendations includes the placement of off-duty police officers within shopping centres to monitor behaviour and step in when security personnel are unable to act adequately. They contend that the expenses for these officers should be covered by the shopping centres rather than the taxpayer. However, this proposal has been met with resistance from the state government.
Premier Peter Malinauskas stated the importance of having security staff trained to address issues effectively rather than merely observing incidents. Meanwhile, the Shopping Centre Council, which represents major retail operators such as Westfield, holds a different stance, asserting that addressing criminal behaviour falls squarely within the jurisdiction of the police.
This disturbing event has reignited discussions about the safety of retail environments and how best to protect both shoppers and employees in the wake of violence. The call for improved safety measures is not just a reaction to this incident but reflects ongoing concerns within the retail sector about security and public safety in shopping areas.