27 August 2013 – Update – Reward Offered – Armed Robbery – Jewellery Store – Thornbury
Published August 30, 2013 | 
Armed Crime Task Force detectives are today announcing a $100,000 reward for information after two women were robbed at gun point at a Thornbury jewellery store in 2011.
Two men entered the High Street store just before 10am on 27 August as staff members were setting up for the day.
One of the men, who disguised himself as a florist by wearing an apron and carrying a clipboard and a large box of flowers, went to the store’s locked front door.
A female staff member opened the door and the offender forced his way in, assaulting her and pushing her to the ground.
The robber then dropped the flowers on the ground and donned a balaclava, producing a firearm from his pants.
Meanwhile, the second man entered the store, pulled on a balaclava as he entered and began removing items from the front window display cabinet, while the first man ordered staff to place items in a pillowcase.
When a female staff member attempted to flee into a storeroom, the first offender dragged her by the hair to the main area of the store.
The second offender then exited the store through the front entrance, while his companion picked up the box of flowers and clipboard before exiting.
The woman did not suffer any injuries.
Detective Inspector Adrian Dalzotto is hoping the $100,000 reward will encourage anyone with information to come forward to police.
“It has been two years to the day that this frightening armed robbery took place, and someone out there knows who is responsible,” he said.
“We urge anyone with information to call police.”
Investigators have once again released CCTV footage of the incident.
The first offender is described as being aged between 45-55 and 175cm tall, with a solid build and grey hair.
The second offender is perceived to be of Caucasian appearance and aged in his 20s – 30s, with dark coloured hair.
A reward of up to $100,000 will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner, for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible.
The Department of Public Prosecutions will also consider granting indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders.
21 August 2013 – Update – Arrest – Armed Robbery – Gaming Room – Keilor
Published August 23, 2013 | Police have arrested a man in Sunbury this morning following an armed robbery at a gaming venue in Keilor in June.
A 28-year-old Sunbury man was taken into custody around 10.50am by detectives from the Armed Crime Taskforce and Special Operations Group.
He is currently being interviewed.
Police remain at a property on Phillips Street, Sunbury where a number of firearms have already been located.
The armed robbery occurred at a gaming venue on the Old Calder Highway around 8.30am on 8 June.
A staff member was confronted as he opened the venue and a quantity of cash was stolen.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
21 August 2013 – Update – CCTV Released – Armed Robbery – Hotel – CBD Melbourne
Published August 23, 2013 | Police have released CCTV as part of an ongoing investigation into an armed robbery in the CBD earlier this year.
A male employee was tied up and threatened during the incident, which occurred on 19 February.
Around 2am that morning two men have entered the Black Opal Tabaret at the Swanston Hotel on Swanston Street and made their way into a maintenance room.
When the premises closed two hours later, the men made their way to a safe room and knocked on the door.
The male staff member, who is aged in his 20s, opened the door.
The men, who were both armed, threatened the victim and demanded he open the safe.
The victim was unable to open the safe so the men have taken a significant quantity of cash that was in the process of being counted.
The men then tied up the attendant and took his mobile phone before leaving the premises via the little Bourke Street exit.
The staff member was in shock but otherwise uninjured.
The men were both described as being in their 20s, perceived to be of Indian appearance and wearing distinctive branded clothing.
One man was wearing a dark, long sleeved, hooded Puma tracksuit top and dark jeans.
The second man was wearing a dark, long sleeved, hooded ‘Tiempo’ branded jumper, dark jeans and white runners.
The two men were seen leaving the venue carrying a green bag.
Detectives from the Armed Crime Taskforce are investigating the incident and are keen to speak to anyone with further knowledge of the matter.
Investigators are also seeking assistance with identifying a vehicle they believe may have been involved which has been described as a white Mitsubishi Magna.
CCTV also shows four women walking past the premises around the time of the incident and police are keen to identify those four witnesses.
Police have released CCTV of the men and the four witnesses, along with an image of a similar vehicle to that believed to be involved.
17 August 2013 – Armed Robbery – Convenience Store – Windsor
Published August 23, 2013 | Detectives from Prahran Embona Task Force are investigating an armed robbery at a convenience store in Windsor in the early hours of Thursday morning.
A man walked into the store in Chapel Street around 3.20am armed with a tomahawk and a syringe containing red liquid.
He made demands for money and after placing an amount of cash in a green enviro-type bag fled on foot, heading east on Earl Street.
Police responded to the incident and located some of the stolen money in Earl Street, approximately 50 metres from where the robbery took place.
A member of the Dog Squad with his canine also located the syringe at the corner of Earle Street and Hornby Street with detectives also recovering what is believed to be the green bag used at the corner of Mary Street and Hornby Street.
The offender is described as Caucasian in appearance, approximately 185cm tall and in his late 20s.
He was wearing a black beanie, black balaclava, black sunglasses and a black jumper. Images taken from CCTV footage are below.
13 August 2013 – Armed Robbery – Retail Outlet – Preston
Published August 16, 2013 | Detectives from Darebin Crime Investigation Unit are investigating an armed robbery at a retail outlet in Preston this afternoon.
Investigators have been told that three masked men, allegedly armed with knives and poles, entered the Regent Street store just before 1pm.
The men have made demands for money and stole cigarettes, purses and a quantity of cash from the store owners and customers.
The men were all wearing dark coloured hooded tops and masks.
A fourth man was waiting in a vehicle outside the store and this car was last sighted in Massey Street in Reservoir.
No one was injured during the incident and the investigation is ongoing.
12 August 2013 – Armed Robbery – Fast Food Outlet – Tarneit
Published August 12, 2013 | Detectives are investigating an armed robbery which occurred at a fast food outlet in Tarneit early this morning.
Investigators have been told that a 25-year-old delivery truck driver was confronted by two masked men, one allegedly armed with a firearm, just before 4.30am.
It’s believed the driver had his hands tied and was forced back into the store.
The two offenders stole a quantity of cash and left the scene.
The victim, who was not injured, managed to free himself and called police.
9 August 2013 – CCTV Released – Armed Robbery – Bottle Shop – Langwarrin
Published August 12, 2013 | Detectives from Frankston Embona Taskforce have released CCTV footage in the hope that a man responsible for an attempted armed robbery yesterday can be identified. The man entered a bottle shop at the Gateway Shopping Village in Langwarrin around 3.30pm yesterday and made demands for cash. It’s believed the man showed the store attendant a weapon, which was concealed under his jumper but was advised that security and police would be called. The man fled the store on foot and police are asking for public assistance to further their investigation. 
31 July 2013 – Charges Laid – 4 Armed Robberies – Gaming Venues & Liquor Store – NW Melbourne
Published August 2, 2013 | Fawkner Embona Task Force detectives have charged a Roxburgh Park man following four robberies in Melbourne’s north-west this month.
The 25-year-old was arrested by investigators in Roxburgh Park this morning.
He has been charged with one count of armed robbery, two counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery.
The charges relate to the following incidents:
– gaming venue on Albion Street, Brunswick East, on 8 July – gaming venue on Mount Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds, on 21 July – liquor store on High Street, Yarraville, on 21 July – gaming venue on Napier Street, Essendon, on 27 July
He is expected to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this afternoon
30 July 2013 – Armed Robbery – Service Station – Chirnside Park
Published August 2, 2013 | Police have released an image of a man they wish to speak with following an armed robbery in Chirnside Park overnight.
Around 12.10am a man has entered a service station on Maroondah Highway and approached the two male attendants.
It is believed he was armed with a small axe and has threatened them, then made a demand for cash.
After being given a quantity of money the man then left the store, walking west then turning north along Old Melbourne Road.
The attendants were not injured during the incident.
Detectives from Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit are investigating the incident and have released images of a man they wish to speak with.
He is described as being in his early 20s, medium height, slim build and perceived to be of Caucasian appearance.
At the time of the incident he was wearing a flannel jacket, black skinny jeans and lace up work boots.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au
Natalie Webster Media Officer VP28883/2013
29 July 2013 – Appeal – Armed Robbery – Service Station – Traralgon
Published August 2, 2013 | Detectives from Latrobe Crime Investigation Unit are appealing for public assistance following an armed robbery in Traralgon earlier this month.
Around 2.45am on Monday, 8 July an unidentified male has entered the United Service Station on the Princes Highway and approached the attendant.
The male has then produced a knife and made a demand for cash.
The attendant has retreated into a storage room before the male grabbed the till and cash tray.
The attendant was uninjured and the male left the store on foot, heading east toward Whittakers Road.
Police have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak with in relation to the incident.
Investigators are keen to hear from anyone who can provide information regarding the identity of the male or with further knowledge of the incident.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au
Natalie Webster Media Officer VP6698/2013
