A man accused of smashing his way into a post office and stealing mail will spend the weekend behind bars after an early‑morning break‑in just north of Adelaide.
The burglary unfolded around 4.30am on Friday at Two Wells Post Office, only two doors down from the local police station which has been shut for months due to renovations.
WATCH ABOVE: Police charge Gawler man over alleged break-in.
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Two Wells business owners raised the alarm at 6am after spotting the damage.
“When we got there, we noticed the door was all smashed in, so we just called the police and there were packages outside,” shop owner Carrolyn McCulloch told 7NEWS.
The Two Wells post office was broken into on Friday Credit: 7NEWS
Officers recovered parcels the alleged thief dropped while fleeing, but inside the post office, the scene was chaotic.
“Completely crazy, some people might have things in there that they truly need,” resident Steve told 7NEWS.
“It’s wrong, just wrong stealing other people’s property — now I can’t get my money out.”
Police picking up parcels left outside after the theft. Credit: 7NEWS
CCTV captured a person walking outside the post office shortly before the break‑in.
Police are now investigating whether the same suspect attempted to force entry on Tuesday morning before returning overnight and smashing their way inside.
Australia Post is working to identify which customers have had mail or parcels stolen.
CCTV captured a person walking outside the post office. Credit: 7NEWS
“It’s low, it really is… you don’t know what it is, are they stealing medical needs that a local needs to survive and now they won’t have them for another week,” deputy mayor David Paton told 7NEWS.
The crime has reignited frustration over the temporary closure of the nearby police station.
“Now the closest police are from Gawler or Mallala, that’s miles,” Steve said.
Detectives have arrested a 34‑year‑old Gawler West man.
He is expected to face court later in January.
Australia Post hopes to reopen the Two Wells branch on Monday.
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