Two men have been charged men as part of an investigation into a series armed robberies and car thefts across Sydney's west.
Detectives from the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad established Strike Force Rigil to investigate 10 armed robberies across the Parramatta area between Friday 10 May 2019 and Monday 27 May 2019.
During the course of the investigation, detectives charged a 16-year-old boy earlier this month. He remains before the courts.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators arrested two men, both aged 18, at homes in Ropes Crossing and Wilmot about 7am today (Wednesday 19 June 2019), before they were both taken to Mt Druitt Police Station.
Shortly after, detectives executed search warrants at the two properties, where they located several items relevant to the investigation, including keys and mobile phones.
These items were seized to undergo forensic examination.
The 18-year-old Ropes Crossing man was charged with three counts of aggravated break enter and steal, and five counts of take and drive conveyance without consent of owner.
The 18-year-old Wilmot man was charged with three counts of aggravated break enter and steal, four counts of take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, and three counts of engage in police pursuit reckless/speed dangerous.
Police will allege in court that the men stole a Suzuki motorcycle from a street in Vaucluse about 9.45pm on Wednesday 29 May 2019, before riding to a home in Tamarama, where they broke in and stole a handbag and keys to a Mercedes C200 sedan and drove away in the vehicle.
The men allegedly then broke into a home in Manly before stealing a wallet and keys to a BMW sedan and a Range Rover just after 3am on Monday 10 June 2019.
One of the residents tried to stop them; however, they allegedly drove away in the BMW sedan.
Later that day, the vehicle failed to stop for police on New South Head Road at Double Bay, where a police pursuit was initiated. It was later terminated for safety reasons in Rozelle.
About 2am the next day (Tuesday 11 June 2019), the sedan was later sighted travelling east on the Gore Hill Freeway at Artarmon, where another police pursuit was initiated.
Due to safety concerns, the pursuit was terminated near the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Police will also allege in court that, during the early hours of Wednesday 12 June 2019, the two men broke into a home in North Kellyville, where they stole a Toyota Camry sedan.
The BMW and the Toyota Camry sedans were later recovered in Ropes Crossing.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court later today.
Investigations under Strike Force Rigil are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Rigil investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
