Detectives investigating recent armed robberies in the Hunter region have charged a second man, NSW Police say.
Strike Force Shirley was established by detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad and Port Stephens and Central Hunter Local Area Commands, to investigate a series of armed robberies in the area.
Following extensive inquiries, Strike Force Shirley detectives, with the assistance of police from Strike Force Raptor, arrested a 30-year-old man during a vehicle stop on Edinburgh Street, Raymond Terrace, about 11.45am yesterday.
The passenger in the vehicle – a 39-year-old man – was also arrested at the scene for unrelated matters.
Shortly after the arrest, two search warrants were executed at homes on Vogele Place and Brown Street, Raymond Terrace, where police located and seized a number of items relevant to the investigation.
Both men were taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where strike force detectives charged the 30-year-old man with two counts of robbery whilst armed with a dangerous weapon.
Police will allege the charges relate to the armed robbery of an East Maitland pub on Monday 5 December 2016, and the armed robbery of a fast food restaurant at Williamtown on Wednesday 25 December 2017.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today.
An 18-year-old man remains before the courts after being charged by Strike Force Shirley detectives earlier this week.
Investigations are continuing and further arrests are expected.
Police are urging anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Shirley investigators to call Crime Stoppers.
