The key facts

  • A 12-year-old boy stole a forklift and drove along the wrong side of Grote Street in Adelaide
  • A bus driver reported the forklift to the police; the abandoned vehicle was found in a parking lot on Franklin Street
  • The teenager was detained around one in the morning, and in November he will appear before a youth court

Forklift Theft in Adelaide

In Australia, a 12-year-old boy stole a forklift and took a ride on it through the city streets, 7News reports. The forklift was driving along the wrong side of Grote Street — one of Adelaide's main streets. A bus driver who nearly collided with the vehicle immediately reported the incident to the police.

Search and Detention

Police officers who arrived at the scene found the abandoned forklift in a parking lot on Franklin Street, but the driver was nowhere to be found. The officers called a tow truck for the stolen vehicle and began a search. After reviewing surveillance camera footage, law enforcement established that a 12-year-old boy had been behind the wheel. Around one in the morning, he was found and detained.

Next Steps

In November, the teenager will appear before a youth court. South Australia Police are asking anyone who has other surveillance camera or dashcam footage related to the stolen vehicle to contact the station to give a statement.