A man has been extradited from the ACT and charged by detectives investigating the armed robbery of a jewellery store, and kidnapping of another man, in Sydney's west last year.
Just after 6.15pm on Sunday 12 December 2021, emergency services were called to a jewellery store on Pendle Way, Pendle Hill, after reports two men entered the store, armed with hammers.
The men allegedly smashed a cabinet and left the store with jewellery and cash, before fleeing the area in a Nissan Qashqai – stolen from a Wentworthville address the previous day.
About 8pm the same day, a 49-year-old man was allegedly ambushed by four others in a car park at Wentworthville. The man was stabbed twice in the leg, then forced into the boot of a Nissan Qashqai and driven to a Seven Hills address.
Police were told the man was detained, before being forced to transfer money from his bank account to unknown persons. After several hours he was released and notified police.
Detectives attached to the State Crime Command's Robbery and Serious Crime Squad, with assistance from Cumberland and Blacktown Police Area Commands, commenced an investigation under Strike Force Lilley.
Following extensive inquiries, officers from ACT Policing's Major Crime Unit executed an extra territorial search warrant at an address at Issacs, ACT, about 10.30am yesterday (Wednesday 12 January 2022).
During the search, police seized a number of items relevant to the investigation.
Two men – 29 and 30 – were arrested and charged with outstanding interstate arrest warrants.
Both men appeared at ACT Magistrates Court, where detectives applied for, and were granted, their extradition to NSW.
The men were escorted to Queanbeyan Police Station, where the older man was charged with eight offences;
- Be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner,
- robbery armed with offensive weapon,
- knowingly deal with proceeds of crime,
- kidnap in company with intent serious indictable occasion actual bodily harm,
- wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm,
- use offensive weapon in company with intent,
- destroy etc property in company use fire more than $5000, and,
- affray.
Police will allege in court the man was involved in the armed robbery of a jewellery store in Sydney's west last year, as well as the kidnap and assault of another man later that day.
It will be further alleged the man was involved in a riot at a correctional centre at Parklea in August 2021.
The younger man was charged with six offences;
- Resist officer in execution of duty,
- police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously (x2),
- enter enclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse,
- commit an act of cruelty upon an animal, and,
- never licensed person drive vehicle on road.
It will be alleged in court the man was involved in a pursuit and injured a police dog in the state's north-west in April 2019.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Queanbeyan Local Court today (Thursday 13 January 2022).
Investigations under Strike Force Lilley continue.
Anyone with information that may assist 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.
