A police investigation is underway after several armed robberies were committed in Sydney's north west this morning.
Between 4am and 5am today (Wednesday 3 July 2024), officers from Parramatta Police Area Command were notified by members of the public about a male trespassing on numerous properties in the Northmead area.
About 5.10am officers responded to reports of a white Mitsubishi Outlander SUV allegedly being stolen from a service station along Windsor Road, Northmead, whilst the 37-year-old male owner had entered the store.
Approximately 10 minutes later a 47-year-old woman was walking along Mons Road, Northmead, when the SUV stopped near her and the driver exited the vehicle and approached her. As the male approached her, she attempted to run from the scene but tripped over. The male has allegedly stolen her handbag and drove from the location.
A 19-year-old woman was walking along Junia Avenue, Toongabbie, about 5.40am when the male has allegedly attempted to steal a bag she was carrying. After a brief struggle the man has produced a knife before taking the bag and driving from the scene in the SUV which was parked in the same street.
Whilst walking on North Rocks Road, North Parramatta, a 27-year-old woman was allegedly struck on the left shoulder with a hammer being held by the man. The woman has handed the man her purse and mobile phone where he ran to a nearby shopping centre carpark and left the scene driving the SUV.
A short time later two male relatives – one aged 27 - drove to the woman's location where they then drove to the intersection of North Rocks Road and William Place, North Rocks, after being able to track the phone.
Upon arriving at the scene, the male has allegedly approached their vehicle and smashed the windscreen with the hammer. A physical altercation has then occurred between the 27-year-old man and the male before he ran from the scene.
The SUV was located nearby and has been sized for forensic examination.
Officers – with the assistance of PolAir, Dog Unit, Raptor and the Operational Support Group – conducted a major search for the male, however, he was unable to be located.
The man is described as being of medium build, in his 20's, wearing a black beanie, black balaclava, a black Nike hoodie, black long pants, black gloves, and black shoes.
There were no reports of any person being seriously injured.
Police are also investigating if the same man is responsible for break-ins committed on several homes in the same area two days earlier.
As inquiries continue anyone with information – or any available CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage - is urged to contact Parramatta Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
If sighted, members of the public are urged to NOT approach the man and contact Triple Zero immediately.
Anyone with information about this incident 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.
