PLEASE NOTE: CCTV images of additional two people detectives would like to speak to are available via Hightail – https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/LtdHJmH0eA
Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives have charged two men over the armed hold up of a Sydney pub earlier this year under Strike Force Bruges, as they appeal to locate to more.
About 2am on Wednesday 11 September 2024, police were called to a licenced premises on Slade Road, Bexley North, following reports of an attempted robbery.
Officers attached to St George Police Area Command arrived and were told two masked men had allegedly parked a car at the front door of the licenced premises and attempted to enter with a firearm and knife before leaving after failing to get through the locked door.
About 2.30am the same day, police were called to a licenced premises on King Georges Road, Wiley Park, following reports of an armed robbery.
Officers attached to Campsie Police Area Command arrived and were told two men – both wearing masks and armed with a firearm and a knife – had allegedly assaulted and threatened staff before stealing cash and fleeing the scene in a vehicle.
Police established a crime scene at both locations and detectives attached to State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad established Strike Force Bruges to investigate the incidents.
During the investigation, strike force detectives identified that vehicle used in the incidents – a Peugeot sedan – was one of five vehicles allegedly stolen from a Campsie smash repair on Monday 9 September 2024.
About 12.45am on Thursday 12 September 2024, police located the allegedly stolen sedan travelling on Lancaster Street, Blacktown.
Police directed the driver to stop; however, when they failed to do so, a pursuit was initiated.
The pursuit was terminated a short time later due to safety concerns before the vehicle crashed into a tree and the driver allegedly fled the scene.
A crime scene was established and no injuries were reported.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives – with assistance from Tactical Operation Unit officers – executed a search warrant at a home on Phillips Avenue, Regents Park, at about 10am Thursday 19 September 2024.
During the search, detectives located and seized $6,000 in cash and arrested a 43-year-old man.
He was taken to Auburn Police Station where he was charged with two counts of robbery while armed with dangerous weapon, two counts of larceny, aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence in company steal greater than $60,000, police pursuit drive at speed, damage property by fire greater than $15,000 and unlicensed for class, class C, class R, LR or MR.
About 6pm the same day, strike force detectives – with assistance from Tactical Operation Unit officers – executed a search warrant at a home Aldgate Avenue, Prospect.
During the search, strike force detectives located and seized a BMW sedan – allegedly one of the five stolen vehicles – a stolen motorcycle, a firearm and over $18,000 cash.
Following the search, strike force detectives arrested a 28-year-old man. He was taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries before being taken to Blacktown Police Station.
The man was charged with two counts of robbery while armed with dangerous weapon, two counts of larceny, two counts of escape police custody, aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence in company steal greater than $60,000 and steal motor vehicle.
Both men were refused bail and appeared before court on Friday 20 September 2024 with the 43-year-old man appearing before Burwood Local Court and the 28-year-old man appearing before Blacktown Local Court.
As inquiries continue, detectives have released CCTV images as part of an appeal to identify two additional people who may be able to assist with inquiries.
Anyone with information that may assist Robbery & Serious Crime Squad detectives investigating incidents such as these iis urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
