Thieves Rob Reporter While He's Reporting on Increasing Crime Rates

While covering a story about a possible assault at a mall in South Australia, TV reporter Hayden Nelson and his cameraman became victims of a crime themselves. The two were robbed live on TV while they were reporting on the increase in thefts at the mall.

‘We Were On-Air Live’

Nelson said he and the cameraman were getting ready for the live report at 5:30 a.m. on March 2, 2025, at Rundle Mall in Adelaide. They noticed a garbage truck pulling up nearby. When the pair went live, thieves struck. “We were on-air live and the lights are blaring in our face, we were both focused on a live cross of course,” Nelson reported to ABC Adelaide, according to PEOPLE. “Between us and the garbage truck, someone’s just come along and stolen the light off the lights stand.”

Increasing Criminal Incidents

The theft appears to be part of a rising crime wave at Rundle Mall. The previous day, a 43-year-old woman was reportedly attacked while shopping with her daughter at the same mall, according to 9News. “This lady started screaming for help and we noticed this guy just running up to her and her daughter and hitting them in the back of their head,” a witness reported to 7News Australia, according to PEOPLE. Witnesses grabbed the suspect, Scott Michael Antrobus, and pinned him down until police arrived, 9News reported.

Calling for Review

As for the March 2 incident, ABC Adelaide reported that the cameraman filed a report to the police who are on the lookout for a man wearing an “orange beanie,” according to PEOPLE.

Retail industry executives such as Jordan Mumford, assistant secretary of Australia’s Retail Workers Union, have expressed concern about the recent crime wave at Rundell Mall and other shopping areas. In response to this heightened criminal activity, the union has called for a thorough examination of security measures at Rundell Mall and all shopping centers in South Australia. The union has also suggested hiring off-duty police officers to assist mall security officers.

“What we are calling for is a review by state government into adequacy of laws and regulations on shopping centre operators and what is required of them in regards to security guards,” Mumford told 9News.

The recent theft at Rundle Mall highlights the growing concerns about crime across South Australia. With the rise in theft and other criminal activity, many are calling for stronger security measures. The idea of using off-duty police officers to help keep watch and step in when needed could be a step toward making shopping areas safer for everyone. As crime continues to increase, it’s clear that more needs to be done to protect workers, shoppers, and the community.

References: Reporter Becomes Victim of Robbery While Reporting on Rising Crime Rates at Shopping Mall | TV Reporter Becomes Victim of Crime While Reporting on Crime in Rundle Mall | Rundle Mall Attack Sparks Calls For More Security in Adelaide Shopping Precincts