Detectives investigating an armed robbery at a licensed premise near Newcastle earlier this year have released CCTV images and are appealing for public information that may assist their inquiries.
Just after 3am on Sunday 28 June 2020, two men – both armed with firearms – entered the storage area of a licensed premises on Hillsborough Road at Warners Bay and threatened a male staff member.
The men allegedly forced the employee to the ground, stealing his phone and wallet, as well as cash from the premises, before leaving the area.
The employee was not physically injured during the incident and officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were contacted.
With assistance from the Dog Unit, an extensive search of the area was conducted; however, the men were not located.
Initial inquiries were conducted by local police, before detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Milleara.
As part of ongoing inquires, Strike Force Milleara detectives conducted a secondary canvass of the licensed premises and surrounding areas earlier this month.
A section of North Creek was also searched with assistance of police divers from the Marine Area Command.
As inquiries continue, police are appealing to the public for information and have released CCTV of two men who may be able to assist with ongoing inquiries.
The men depicted in the CCTV footage are described as being about 170cm tall with a slim to medium build.
Both men are depicted wearing black pants, black jumpers and black face coverings. One of the men is seen to be carrying a black and white sports bag.
Robbery and Serious Crime Squad Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Grant Taylor, said investigators are urging the community to look closely at the CCTV images to help officers identify the men.
“Police believe this premises was specifically targeted by those involved, as there appears to have been a level of planning and familiarity with the area and surrounding streets,” Det A/Supt Taylor said.
“Investigators have made a number of inquiries to establish the movements of these individuals prior to the offence and immediately after and are calling on the community to assist.
“This offence is extremely serious and frightening, and we would urge anyone with information, or who may recognise the men in these images, to come forward,” Det A/Supt Taylor said.
Investigations under Strike Force Milleara are continuing.
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| A still image of the wanted men |
