Detectives have charged a man over his alleged role in two armed robberies across the state’s east coast.
About 10.20pm on Thursday 11 April 2019, a man, armed with a firearm, entered a bottle store at a licenced premises in Winston Hills.
He allegedly threatened staff with the firearm before stealing cash.
Police will allege in court that the man threatened patrons with a firearm before stealing cash at a licenced premises in Station Street, Waratah, about 10am on Thursday (18 April 2019).
Local police commenced inquiries before the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Yard.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators, with the assistance of specialist tactical support officers, arrested a 32-year-old man outside a hotel in Castle Hill about 11.30am yesterday (Saturday 20 April 2019).
Shortly after, detectives executed search warrants at a hotel room in Castle Hill and a home in Newcastle, where they located several items, including two firearms, $6000 in cash, and prohibited drugs.
These items were seized to undergo forensic examination.
The man was taken to Castle Hill Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of robbery armed with a dangerous weapon, supply prohibited drug, and possess prohibited firearm.
He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Sunday 21 April 2019).
Investigations under Strike Force Yard are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Yard investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
