Detectives investigating a series of armed robberies in Sydney's southwest have charged a further two males in relation to the alleged offences.
About 2.30am on Tuesday 28 March 2023, four males wearing face coverings entered a service station on Anderson Road at Smeaton Grange and jumped the counter.
One of the males, who was armed with a knife, allegedly threatened the 20-year-old female attendant and forced her to lie on the floor.
The males then allegedly stole a quantity of cigarettes and cash, before driving off in a black Range Rover.
About 7.00am the same day, four males entered a convenience store on Crimea Street, Parramatta and forced the 51-year-old female employee to lay on the ground as they targeted tobacco products, allegedly stealing $2,000 worth of cigarettes.
The four males then fled the store and drove off in a black Range Rover.
The employees were not injured during the robberies.
Strike Force Offerton, comprising of officers from Parramatta Police Area Command, was formed to investigate the robberies.
As part of inquiries, detectives charged a 17-year-old male in relation to the Smeaton Grange and Parramatta robberies, who remains before the courts.
Following further inquiries and a public appeal for information, detectives from Strike Force Offerton executed a search warrant at a house in Brotherton Street, South Wentworthville about 5.00am today (Friday 16 June 2023).
An 18-year-old man was arrested and taken to Merrylands Police and charged with three counts of robbery in company and be carried in a conveyance taken without consent of owner.
A second search warrant was executed at a home on First Walk, Chester Hill, about 5.30am today.
A 17-year-old male was arrested and also taken to Merrylands Police Station where he was charged with three counts of robbery in company and be carried in a conveyance taken without consent of owner.
The pair were refused bail and will appear before Parramatta Bail Court and a children's court tomorrow (Saturday 17 June 2023).
Inquiries under Strike Force Offerton continue.
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.