Sunrise crew robbed live on air while reporting on crime wave

A Seven News reporter and his camera crew were shocked to discover that they had been robbed live on air while covering a live segment from Adelaide's Rundle Mall on rising crime rates in the area.

Journalist Hayden Nelson was reporting for Sunrise earlier this week when an unidentified man casually greeted the crew before stealthily making off with one of their lights in broad daylight. The theft went unnoticed until after the live broadcast had ended.

“After the cross, he’s gone to check on the light – the stand was still there but the light itself has vanished,” Nelson later told 7News.

Nelson and his team were baffled by the incident, particularly as they had briefly seen the man but did not suspect anything at the time. Nelson explained that, due to the nature of live broadcasting, his focus had been elsewhere. “When you’re about to go live, you’ve got an earpiece in with your director talking to you, and the sound of the presenters, you’ve got lights blaring at you,” he said, adding that the stolen equipment would be of little use to the thief.

“To operate it they would need a broadcast-quality battery that you can only get in the industry, and it also requires a unique charger.”

South Australian police have since released an image of a man who they believe may be able to assist with their investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

The incident has raised concerns over security in the area, particularly as it occurred in broad daylight and during a live television broadcast.

Images: Sunrise | SA Police