Cape Fear: Weekend car vandalism spree leads to calls for more security

By DANIEL CLARKE

30/04/26

 

Security cameras positioned on the main road above the Cape Jervis ferry terminal have been proposed to help detect vehicle burglars who are targeting cars parked overnight.

 

At least $15,000 of loss and damage was caused to numerous vehicles at the car park over the weekend, including break-in and burglary of tradesman vans and the stealing of car wheels. 

 

Electrician Hugo Sharkey had the passenger window of one of his fleet’s vans smashed and an ipad stolen from the front seat. 

 

An adjacent van was badly damaged with its back window smashed and about $10-15,000 of copper, cable, gas fittings, tools, and nitro gas stolen.

 

“The poor fella got completely fleeced, I think there was a roll of dunny paper left,” Sharkey said. 

 

“We were actually fortunate to only lose the ipad because I reckon the alarm went off and it spooked them. We were really lucky because they would have had access to about $15,000 worth of uninsured tools.” 

 

There were also reports of two passenger cars in the vicinity that each had two wheels stolen. Other incidents reported in recent months included a bag of golf clubs being stolen from a vehicle. 

 

“I do feel they target tradies with tools in the back because I had ladders stolen a few years back as well,” Sharkey said. “My employees and I have often parked the cars there to go play footy for Dudley on the weekend. I had to tell them we won’t be taking work vans down there now. I’m not going to be risking it again.

 

“It would be nice if people didn’t have to steal other people’s things but I don’t think that’s going to happen. Obviously these people know that it’s isolated and people leave their cars there to travel to the island so it reduces the risk for them. Maybe authorities could look at putting in surveillance.”

 

Both Yankalilla Council and Kangaroo Island Mayor Michael Pengilly agreed, suggesting CCTV cameras should be installed to deter would-be criminals. There are currently no cameras in the area.

 

“It’s exposed and highly vulnerable – it’s a problem for everybody,” the Mayor said. 

 

“Given there is only one road in and out of the area a camera could be installed near the ferry terminal exit on the main road to capture every vehicle that passes between 9pm and 6am because unfortunately it’s open slather. 

 

“There’s been a risk down there with those vehicles for some time, especially with more islanders leaving cars on the mainland because of rising ferry costs. With the cost of everything going through the roof these dropkicks see an easy way to get tyres or wheels. When they start stealing people’s gear that they need for work, I think that’s a pretty low act.” 

 

Yankalilla Council acknowledged the increase in the number of vehicles being left in the precinct for extended periods combined with a reduction in nighttime activity because of the loss of the jetty.

 

“Over the past year, several major infrastructure projects have been underway in the area, including dredging works and ferry terminal upgrades,” a Council spokesperson said.

 

“These works, along with increased visitation, have contributed to congestion within the precinct and have resulted in vehicles parking further north of the lighthouse than has typically been experienced in previous years.

 

"Council acknowledges that increased vehicle numbers, extended parking durations, a reduction of nighttime activity and the remote nature of the site may present a risk of opportunistic crime.

 

“Council officers undertake routine parking management and asset inspections as part of normal operations however these activities are not intended as security patrols or crime‑prevention measures. That being said, they may provide a level of passive visibility within the precinct.”

 

The spokesperson said the planned redevelopment of the Cape Jervis ferry precinct and carpark is being led by the State Government and a master plan has been prepared setting out a number of upgrades to the area once Federal or State funding is made available.

 

“Council is keen to engage as plans progress and will advocate for improved lighting and enhanced security measures as part of any redevelopment. In the meantime, Council will also put forward recommendations for additional CCTV coverage when given the opportunity to contribute to the upgrade discussions.”

 

Council said it was aware that vehicle break-ins have occurred but that it had not received any formal reports from SAPOL.

 

When contacted by Island Independent, police said no recent crime data was available for incidents reported at Cape Jervis but reiterated the need to lock all doors, activate alarms or immobilisers, remove all valuables from your vehicle and avoid leaving property in the glove box or centre console.

 

A spokesperson said that if you have your car broken into or property stolen, report it immediately by calling the police assistance line on 131 444.

 

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of any stolen property can report it to police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au