Police charge two men over aggravated armed robbery at Lauderdale

Detectives have today charged two men over the aggravated armed robbery of the Foreshore Tavern at Lauderdale on Friday 31 January.

A 41 year old man of no fixed address was arrested at Seven Mile Beach on Saturday afternoon. He was in possession of a sawn-off shotgun that police believe was the firearm used in the robbery.

He has been charged with aggravated armed robbery, aggravated burglary, possessing a shortened firearm and possessing a firearm without a licence.

A 33 year old man from Midway Point was arrested at Launceston airport on Sunday afternoon, attempting to board a flight to Melbourne. Police will allege he was trying to leave Tasmania under a false name, with some of the cash stolen in the robbery in his luggage.

He has been charged with aggravated armed robbery, aggravated burglary, using false identification to obtain an airline ticket and several firearms and drug-related offences. He has also been charged with a second count of armed robbery, relating to an incident that occurred in Seven Mile Beach on 27 June 2019.

Both men have been detained in custody and will appear in court tomorrow morning.

Detective Inspector Doug Rossiter from Bellerive CIB thanked community members for their help in resolving the matter.

“We appreciate the assistance that members of the public have provided so far,” he said.

“Detectives would still like to hear from anyone who is yet to come forward or who has any further information that could assist the investigation”.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444. Information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppertas.com.au.

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