Two men will face court today after allegedly committing several armed robberies whilst impersonating police officers, NSW Police say.
About 11.30pm on Monday 31 July 2017, two men allegedly approached a man sitting in a parked car at Boonerah Point Reserve, Mount Warrigal, south of Wollongong.
The men allegedly claimed they were police officers and produced what appeared to be a firearm and stole a bag from the man.
About 11.55pm the following day yesterday, three men were in a car driving along The Esplanade at Oak Flats when another vehicle approached them from behind and shined a strobe light.
The men stopped their car and two men from the other vehicle got out and approached them.
The two men allegedly identified themselves as police officers and demanded the men hand over their personal property before punching them and assaulting them with a hammer.
The men in the car received minor injuries before the two men left the scene.
Police from Lake Illawarra Local Area Command commenced investigations into both incidents.
Following inquiries, about 2.30pm today, officers arrested a 32-year-old man at a home in Lobelia Street, Albion Park Rail after a police operation.
Several items allegedly linked to the robberies were seized at the location.
About 3pm the same day today, officers arrested a 26-year-old man at Harvey Street, Warilla.
Both men were taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station.
The 32-year-old man was charged with robbery whilst armed with dangerous weapon, impersonate police officer (x2), robbery in company and carry cutting weapon to avoid apprehension.
The 26-year-old man was charged with robbery whilst armed with dangerous weapon, impersonate police officer (x2), robbery whilst armed with offensive weapon, and several other unrelated offences.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court tomorrow.
