Newcastle, NSW – Detectives from the Robbery & Serious Crime Squad have charged three men over an alleged staged armed robbery at a Newcastle bowling club, which police believe was an inside job.
Emergency services were called to the Boreus Road club in Hamilton North at 5 a.m. on Monday, 30 December 2024, following reports of an armed robbery. Police were told that two men, dressed in black and armed with knives, entered the venue around 4 a.m., assaulted a staff member, and stole cash and electronics. The 44-year-old employee was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to hospital.
A crime scene was established, and Strike Force Rummage was launched to investigate the incident.
Following extensive inquiries, police executed four search warrants across Cooks Hill, Beresfield, and Muswellbrook on Wednesday, 19 February 2025.
- A 50-year-old man was arrested in Cooks Hill and charged with stealing property as a clerk/servant. He was refused bail and appeared in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday.
- A 47-year-old man was arrested in Muswellbrook and charged with multiple offences, including entering a building with intent, larceny over $15,000, and possessing a prohibited drug. He was also refused bail and appeared in Singleton Local Court the same day.
- A 44-year-old man was arrested at Newcastle Police Station and charged with stealing property as a clerk/servant, participating in a criminal group, and making false or misleading statements. He was granted conditional bail and is set to appear in Newcastle Local Court on 6 March 2025.
Police allege that the two employees, aged 44 and 50, conspired with the 47-year-old man to stage the robbery, knowing that cash would be on-site after a poker tournament.
Investigations under Strike Force Rummage are ongoing.