Syndicate involved in home invasions and property crime dismantled; three charged at Gunnedah, NSW

Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives have arrested three people as part of ongoing inquiries into an aggravated robbery and home invasion in the state’s west earlier this year.

About 10.15pm on Wednesday 2 March 2022, three masked men – who were armed with firearms – forced entry to a home on Thompson Crescent, South Tamworth.

Police have been told one of the men threatened a 27-year-old male occupant with a firearm – discharging a shot – then assaulted him with a machete, lacerating his fingers.

The three men demanded personal items and cash before fleeing the home on foot towards Central Avenue.

The 27-year-old man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, then taken to Tamworth Hospital for further treatment. He has since been released.

A 26-year-old woman and two children, who were home at the time, were shaken but otherwise uninjured.

Initial inquiries were undertaken by Oxley Police District, before the matter was referred to detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad under Strike Force Tabain.

Following extensive inquiries and a public appeal for information, strike force detectives – assisted by local police – executed two search warrants at homes at Gunnedah just before 8am yesterday (Tuesday 3 May 2022).

During the searches, police seized clothing, ammunition, and other items relevant to ongoing investigations.

All items seized will undergo further forensic examination.

Two women, both aged 18, and a 16-year-old boy, were arrested during the operation and taken to Gunnedah Police Station.

An 18-year-old woman has been charged with eight offences, including robbery while armed with dangerous weapon, steal motor vehicle, two counts of damage property by fire or explosive, unlawfully take or drive motor vehicle with person in or on it, steal motor vehicle, recruit child to carry out or assist criminal activity, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.

A second 18-year-old woman was charged with robbery while armed with dangerous weapon, damage property by fire or explosive, unlawfully take or drive motor vehicle with person in or on it, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.

Police will allege in court that both women assisted the men during the home invasion at South Tamworth, and were involved in a number of additional property, motor vehicle, and arson offences in the Gunnedah region.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with two counts of steal motor vehicle, dishonestly obtain property by deception, unlawfully take or drive motor vehicle with person in or on it, break and enter, damage property by fire or explosive, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.

It will be alleged in court that the teen was responsible for a number of property, motor vehicle, and arson offences in the Gunnedah area earlier this year.

Robbery and Serious Crime Squad Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Paul Smith, said detectives will continue to support their regional counterparts to combat violent and anti-social behaviour.

“We closely monitor all incidents of serious crime that occur in our regions and will continue to provide high-level investigative support for local police whenever it is requested,” Det A/Supt Smith said.

“Make no mistake: your location is no deterrent to investigators and if you facilitate violent crime in the country, expect to gain the attention of specialist police and be put before a court.”

Inquiries under Strike Force Tabain continue.

Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Tabain investigators is 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.

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