Police Wrap - 13 June 2010

1. Belco Bandits:

ACT Policing is seeking witnesses to two armed robberies which occurred last night (Saturday, 12 June) in Spence and Charnwood.

Around 7.31pm police were called to the Mobil Handy Mart in Spence following reports of an attempted armed robbery. Police were told three males entered the store carrying a machete-style knife and a baseball bat demanding cash. When they were unable to take any money the store attendant was hit with a baseball bat and sustained minor injuries.

The offenders were described as being in their teens and wearing dark-coloured clothing, with one wearing a mask and another wearing a balaclava.

Then around 7.45pm three male offenders, one of whom was armed with a machete-style knife and another with a baseball bat, approached the shop attendant at Liquor Legends in Charnwood and threatened him. The attendant opened the cash register and safe, after which the offenders stole an amount of money and two bottles of alcohol. The offenders fled the store, turned right and disappeared into the back streets of Charnwood.

All three offenders of the Charnwood incident were described as 175cm tall and of average build. The first male was wearing a black woollen balaclava and holding the knife. The second male was wearing a white plastic hockey mask and was carrying a white fabric bag. The third male was wearing a black woollen balaclava and was carrying the baseball bat. The victim was not injured during the robbery.

Officers from ACT Policing’s General Duties, Criminal Investigations and Special, Response and Security K9 team attended and established the crime scenes and searched surrounding areas.

AFP Forensic Services attended and conducted an examination of both scenes.

ACT Policing is investigating all possible links with aggravated robberies which occurred last week in Braddon, Melba, and Fyshwick. Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious behaviour in the vicinity of Spence or Charnwood last night, or who knows the identity of the offenders, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers website on www.act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

At this time police would also urge small businesses to develop appropriate strategies around how cash is handled, and establish sensible precautions and procedures to reduce the risk of armed robbery. For more information on reducing the risk of armed robbery visit: www.police.act.gov.au.