Armed Crime Task Force detectives have today announced a $100,000 reward for information as the investigation into a series of violent armed robberies at gaming venues continues.
Investigators believe the same four male offenders are responsible for the following armed robberies:
• Manningham Club in Bulleen on Monday 23 January about 11.46pm • Eltham Hotel on Thursday 8 March about 12.45am (attempt only) • Boundary Hotel in Bentleigh East on Monday 26 March about 3.50am • Shoppingtown Hotel in Doncaster on Sunday 1 April about 5.25am • Furlan Club in Thornbury on Monday 23 April about 11.30pm • Furlan Cub in Thornbury on Thursday 12 July about 11.30pm • Manningham Club in Bulleen on Saturday 15 September about 1.30am
The men entered each hotel armed with shotguns, rifles, handguns, metal poles and baseball bats, threatening staff and patrons by forcing them to the ground at gun point.
The offenders then stole large amounts of cash from each venue and fled in a vehicle, possibly a Holden sedan.
The offenders also stole a Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal Pig containing donations during the armed robbery at the Furlan Club in July.
Armed Crime Task Force Detective Inspector Adrian Dalzotto said police were concerned about the escalating violence shown by the offenders.
“To demonstrate the level of violence, at the Furlan Club back in April a number of staff members were approached by the offenders as they were walking to their vehicles after work,” he said.
“The staff members were forced to the ground in the car park and had their hands bound with gaffe tape.
“They were then led back into the gaming venue, where the offenders stole cash and fled.”
Det Insp Dalzotto said more than 20 victims had been assaulted during the six armed robberies.
“During the incident at the Manningham Club in September, a staff member suffered serious injuries after he was assaulted,” he said.
“He was taken to hospital and received seven stitches to his head.”
Det Insp Dalzotto is appealing for public help to catch the offenders before they strike again.
“These offenders need to apprehended by police immediately and taken off our streets,” he said.
“We are urging anyone with information to contact police.”
All of the offenders are described as being aged in their 20s and slim to medium build.
They were all wearing dark pants and hooded tops, balaclavas and gloves.
One of the offenders has been described as having long straight black hair.
Detectives have released images of two men they believe may be able to assist with the investigation.