A FRIGHTENING attempt at a “snatch and grab” led to the dramatic citizen arrest of a Mount Gambier man at a small Commercial Street West business on Monday.
Around lunchtime, a 43-year-old man entered DJ Interiors and attempted to grab the till from the front counter.
The theft attempt was spotted by three men who intervened and apprehended the man on the street until police arrived.
It is alleged the thief assaulted one person during the incident.
In a post to social media, DJ Interiors owner Christine Try described the incident as a traumatic experience.
“It was pretty traumatic for those involved but I would like to extend my gratitude to my wonderful staff, customers and the Mount Gambier Police who attended the scene,” the post read.
“As this is an ongoing case I will not be making any further comments but to say a big thank you.”
Limestone Coast Police operations manager Inspector Campbell Hill described the incident as rare, but still concerning to police.
“It was an amateurish effort at a snatch and grab, but it is obviously concerning because these types of incidents are unexpected,” Insp Hill said.
“They are particularly rare, but it is a reminder that some people will sometimes try these things.”
Insp Hill praised the men who intervened, however said it was not something the community was encouraged to do.
“We are obviously appreciative to them for helping apprehend this person, but someone was assaulted and that is obviously concerning,” he said.
“It just highlights that you can never really know who you are dealing with and there was clearly an air of desperation from this offender.”
