Detectives charge three men over two convenience store armed robberies, NSW

Three men have been charged by detectives investigating two armed robberies at convenience stores in Sydney’s south earlier this year.

In April 2020, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad established Strike Force Wigla to investigate two armed robberies at convenience stores in Sydney’s south, believed to be linked.

About 3.40am on Monday 20 April 2020, three men – one armed with a knife – entered a convenience store at the intersection of Hannans Road and Station Lane, Narwee, before threatening an employee and stealing cash and cigarettes.

The men ran toward Graham Road, where they entered a vehicle and fled the scene.

In a second incident, three men – one armed with a hammer – entered a convenience store at George Street, Penshurst, just before 4.45am on Saturday 25 April 2020.

The men threatened an employee and stole cash before leaving the area in a vehicle.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators executed two search warrants at homes at Riverwood and Revesby Heights on Thursday 30 July 2020.

A number of items relevant to the investigation were seized.

Two men – aged 19 and 20 – were arrested during the operation and taken to Campsie Police Station.

They were both charged with two counts of robbery armed with offensive weapon.

The men appeared at Burwood Local Court on Friday 31 July 2020, where they were both formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Wednesday (30 September 2020).

Following further inquiries, officers arrested a 20-year-old man at Newcastle Police Station about 9.45am on Monday 31 August 2020.

He was also charged with two counts of robbery armed with offensive weapon.

The man appeared at Newcastle Local Court on Monday 31 August 2020, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court today (Monday 28 September 2020).

Investigations under Strike Force Wigla are continuing.

Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Wigla investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

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