Victoria Police is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of persons responsible for a series of armed robberies on gaming venues in Melbourne’s north-west suburbs.

To date, it is believed up to 33 armed robberies are linked to this series since June 2011.

A dedicated taskforce, Taskforce Sampson, has spent the past few months reviewing all of the robberies, investigating leads and targeting suspects.

Detective Superintendent Kevin Sheridan from North West Metro Region said he believed the $50,000 reward could provide the key to unlocking critical information.

“We believe there are people in the community who are in possession of vital information regarding these armed robberies,” Detective Superintendent Sheridan said.

“Investigating these armed robberies is a top priority for Victoria Police and all available resources are being put into finding and prosecuting those involved.

“Police are working tirelessly to ensure those responsible for these armed robberies are taken off the streets. People have a right to feel safe in their own community and at work.”

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Paul Lunt, who leads the taskforce, said they had already charged a number of people with a range of serious offences such as armed robbery, attempted armed robbery, common law assault and firearm offences.

Police have also increased their visible presence around gaming venues over recent months.

Investigators have released images from the armed robberies in the hope someone may be able to identify them or provide further information.

A map of where the armed robberies occurred has also been released and includes the following:

• 6 June 2011 – Meadow Inn
• 8 June 2011 – Glenroy RSL
• 8 June 2011 – Sylvania Hotel
• 16 June 2011 – Moreland Hotel
• 17 June 2011 – Windy Hill Tabaret
• 21 June 2011 – Waterloo Hotel
• 24 June 2011 – Glenroy RSL
• 27 June 2011 – Lalor Bowling Club
• 4 July 2011 – Sylvania Hotel
• 13 July 2011 – Lalor Bowling Club
• 6 August 2011 – Skyways Tavern
• 10 August 2011 – Thomastown TAB
• 26 August 2011 – Fawkner RSL
• 1 September 2011 – Pascoe Vale Hotel
• 28 September 2011 – Ivanhoe Hotel
• 1 October 2011 – Yarra Valley Country Club
• 9 October 2011 – Skyways Tavern
• 10 October 2011 – Watergardens Tavern
• 10 October 2011 – West Meadows Tavern
• 15 October 2011 – Keilor Hotel
• 19 October 2011 – Northern Bingo Club
• 28 October 2011 – Coolaroo Hotel
• 28 October 2011 – Preston TAB
• 31 October 2011 – Glenroy RSL
• 31 October 2011 – Lalor Bowling Club
• 3 November 2011 – Lalor Bowling Club
• 9 November 2011 – Coolaroo Hotel
• 12 November 2011 – Rose Shamrock
• 12 November 2011 – Sylvania Hotel
• 15 November 2011 – Preston Hotel
• 19 November 2011 – Lalor Bowling Club
• 11 January 2012 – Zagames Reservoir Hotel

Police are also looking at whether an armed robbery at the Glengala Hotel on 20 June, 2011 may also have links to the other incidents. The image above left of the man walking through the glass door was taken at the Glengala Hotel and police are keen to speak to the man to see if he has information that can assist with their investigation.