Detectives are re-investigating the armed robbery of a light-plane in the state’s north-west almost two decades ago, NSW Police say.
Just before 10am on 20 January 2000, a mail-delivery plane landed at Brewarrina Airport and taxied toward the small terminal, where two female couriers were waiting its arrival.
As the pilot guided the light-plane to a stop, a white Holden Commodore drove onto the runway and stopped in front of the plane.
Two men – armed with shotguns – got out of the Commodore and threatened the 21-year-old male pilot and the two women, aged 33 and 36.
The men ordered the group toward a fence, to which they were then handcuffed, and stole packages from the plane before driving from the location at speed.
The group freed themselves from the fence and contacted local police, who attended a short time later.
About 10.35am, the Commodore was located on-fire on Gongolgong Road, 40km south of Brewarrina.
Emergency services in attendance at the fire noted road-side posts and signs had been flattened or removed from the ground, and blue markers lined the road – believed to be prepared as a make-shift landing strip.
A crime scene was established at each location, and various items relevant to the investigation were seized for forensic examination.
Further inquiries revealed the Commodore was stolen from a shopping centre carpark at Winston Hills, in Sydney’s west, on 24 September 1999.
Despite extensive investigations at the time, police were unable to identify those involved and no arrests were made.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad established Strike Force Leaburn to re-investigate the robbery.
As part of ongoing investigations, strike force detectives are appealing to the community to identify two men, who they believe may be able to assist with inquiries.
The first man is described as being about 182cm tall, with a solid build, and spoke with a distinct accent.
The second man is described as being about 165cm tall, with a thin build.
At the time, both men were wearing long navy blue work-style overalls, white canvas shoes with a rubber toe, gardening gloves with a green thumb, and a black ribbed woollen balaclava. All items of clothing appeared to be brand-new.
Strike Force Leaburn detectives are appealing for anyone who has information relevant to the investigation to contact police.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Leaburn detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
