Detectives investigating a spate of armed robberies upon fast food outlets and other businesses in Sydney’s north-west have laid additional charges.

Strike Force Dyle comprises officers from the Metropolitan Robbery Squad and was established to investigate a number of armed robberies involving an axe and knives, including:

· A service station at Pendle Hill on 31 March;
· A pizzeria at Blacktown on 4 April;
· A fast food outlet at Glenwood on 1 May; and
· A bottle shop at Seven Hills on 14 May.

Officers had arrested and charged two teenagers on 16 May after staff at a fast food outlet in Croydon were allegedly threatened with an axe and knives. An amount of cash was stolen.

Inquiries have been continuing and yesterday a 17-year-old youth was charged at Penrith Police Station with four counts of robbery whilst armed with an offensive weapon.

He was refused bail to face Parramatta Children’s Court on 20 June.

Also yesterday, a 16-year-old youth was arrested at a home in Blacktown and taken to Quakers Hill Police Station.

He was charged with four counts of robbery whilst armed with an offensive weapon and refused bail to face Parramatta Children’s Court today.