Detectives investigating a number of armed robberies across Sydney’s inner west and south-west in recent months have laid additional charges against a man already in custody.

Strike Force Repent was formed to investigate several armed robberies throughout December 2011 and January 2012. It comprises detectives from State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad and Campsie Local Area Command.

An 18-year-old Lakemba man was arrested during an alleged attempted robbery at a club on Laycock Street, Bexley North, on 8 January 2012.

The man was subsequently charged with attempted armed robbery.

Strike Force Repent inquiries have been continuing, and on 29 February 2012, detectives laid the following additional charges against the man:

• Robbery in company armed with a dangerous weapon of a club on Margaret Street, Belfield, on 24 October 2011;
• Robbery in company armed with a dangerous weapon of a hotel on Canterbury Road, Belmore, Belfield, on 24 October 2011;
• Attempted robbery in company armed with a dangerous weapon of a club on Woolcott Street, Earlwood, on 11 December 2011;
• Possess unauthorised pistol;
• Participate in criminal group.

The man is currently refused bail. He is next due to appear in Central Local Court on 6 March 2012.

Seven other people remain before the courts in relation to Strike Force Repent.

Investigations are ongoing.