Detectives investigating two armed robberies at stores in Sydney's south-west over the past 14 months, have released CCTV images and are appealing for public assistance.
Just after 7pm on Friday 5 July 2019, a man – armed with a firearm – entered a supermarket inside a shopping complex at Cartwright Avenue, Miller.
The man threatened a security guard and an employee, before stealing cash and leaving the scene.
No one was physically injured during the incident.
Local police, with assistance from the Dog Squad, attended and conducted a search of the area; however, no one was located.
In a second incident, about 1am on Thursday 13 February 2020, a man – armed with a firearm – attended a service station at Hoxton Park Road, Lurnea.
The man approached a service window, before threatening a male employee and demanding access to the store.
He fled the scene before police arrived and a crime scene was established.
Initial inquiries were conducted by officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command, before detectives from the State Crime Command's Robbery and Serious Crime Squad took carriage of the investigations under Strike Force Stromne.
As inquiries continue, detectives have released CCTV images from the incidents and are appealing for anyone who may be able to assist with their inquiries to come forward.
Robbery and Serious Crime Squad Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Grant Taylor, urged the community to look closely at the images.
"Detectives investigating these two incidents believe they may be linked and are seeking information from the community to assist with ongoing inquiries.
"These robberies were brazen, violent and dangerous – and we want the community to know they will not be tolerated by police.
"Any information from people in the community about these incidents will help take those responsible off our streets before they cause further fear or harm," Det A/Supt Taylor said.
Investigations under Strike Force Stromne are continuing.
Police are urging anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Stromne detectives to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/. Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our social media pages.
