Detectives are appealing for information as investigations continue into armed robberies on the state’s Mid North Coast and Coffs Coast, NSW Police say.
Strike Force Soren was established by detectives from the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad to investigate a series of six armed robberies during an 18-month period, which are believed to be linked.
The first incident occurred about 9.15pm on Tuesday 10 November 2015, at a licensed premises on Lyons Road, Sawtell. Three men armed with knives entered, threatened a number of employees and patrons and obtained cash before running from the area.
About 9.30pm on Wednesday 17 February 2016, five men with their faces covered; entered a licensed club through the bottle shop on Jordan Esplanade, Coffs Harbour. The men approached an employee in the office area, demanded money and threatened him with a knife and hammer. After obtaining cash and alcohol, the five men left the scene.
About 10.30pm on Monday 2 May 2016, four men, with their faces covered – two armed with knives and one with a pole – smashed through a glass door of a club on King Street, Wauchope. The men stole cash and left the area. The club was closed at the time and staff fled as the men entered.
On Wednesday 27 October 2016, just before the 10pm closing time of a club on River Street, Mylestom, three men smashed a glass door, entered the club and threatened staff. The men stole cash before leaving the club on foot.
About 10pm on Wednesday 8 December 2016, as staff members were closing a club on Cooper Street, Macksville, four masked men – two armed with knives – smashed the rear glass doors and gained entry. The men stole cash and a female staff member’s handbag before running from the area.
The sixth incident was reported after four men – armed with knives – entered a licensed premises on Toormina Road, Toormina, about 11.50pm on Thursday 20 April 2017. The men threatened staff and patrons before stealing cash and running from the area.
As their inquiries continue, Strike Force Soren investigators have released CCTV of masked people who they believe may be able to assist with further inquiries.
The vision depicts the masked people at Sawtell, Coffs Harbour, Wauchope, Macksville, and Toormina.
Detectives are appealing for anyone who may know those depicted in the vision, or who has information relevant to the investigation, to come forward.
Police are urging anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Soren investigators to call Crime Stoppers.
