Three men have been charged in connection to an alleged conspiracy to commit an armed robbery in the state’s Manning Great Lakes region today, NSW Police say.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad and Manning Great Lakes Police District established Strike Force Harlaw to investigate break-ins and armed robberies in the Forster/Tuncurry area.
Acting on information from the community, strike force detectives, assisted by the Tactical Operations Unit, arrested two men – aged 21 and 33 – at a motel at Tuncurry, just after 9am today (Tuesday 3 April 2018).
Shortly after the arrests, detectives executed two search warrants at homes at Nabiac, where they arrested a third man – aged 55 – at one of the homes.
The men were taken to Forster Police Station and later charged with conspiracy to commit an aggravated armed robbery.
Police will allege in court the group had conspired to commit an armed robbery during a cash delivery from a licenced premises in the Forster area this morning.
The men were refused bail to appear at Taree Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 4 April 2018).
Manning Great Lakes Police District Commander, Superintendent Shane Cribb, said the investigation demonstrates a collaborative approach to targeting crimes that impact on the community.
"Strike Force Harlaw draws on the specialist skills of the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad and the expertise of our local detectives," Det Supt Cribb said.
"We will continue to work closely, share information, and harness each other’s skills not only to investigate incidents, but also prevent harm being inflicted on an innocent member of the community.
"Crime can have a lasting impact on a victim, but it’s not just physical injuries, it’s also psychological trauma.
"Our greatest asset is the community. The information you provide on a daily basis is invaluable in our pursuit to keep you safe," Det Supt Cribb said.
Investigations under Strike Force Harlaw are continuing.
Police are urging anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Harlaw detectives with their inquiries to call Crime Stoppers.
