Detectives have charged two teenagers as part of ongoing investigations into two armed robberies at a service station near Campbelltown over the past three weeks.
In the first incident, on December 18, two men armed with a hand saw and a machete entered a service station on Ballantrae Drive, St Andrews, and threatened a male employee.
The men stole cash before leaving the area on foot.
In the second incident, two men armed with a hammer and a knife entered the same service station on Ballantrae Drive, St Andrews, about 10pm on January 2.
One man allegedly used a hammer to smash several display cabinets in the service station, while the second allegedly threatened two employees.
The pair stole cigarettes and cash before leaving the scene in a grey vehicle.
There were no reports of physical injuries during either incident.
Officers from Campbelltown City Police Area Command, together with detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad, commenced inquiries into the incidents, which are believed to be targeted and linked.
As part of ongoing inquiries, detectives located a grey Hyundai i30 at a home at Macquarie Fields about 9.30pm on Sunday.
The vehicle was seized and will undergo forensic examination.
Following further investigations, detectives arrested a 19 year old man, pictured, at a home at Rosemeadow at 1pm and a 17 year old boy at a home at Minto at 2.30pm yesterday.
A short time later, police conducted searches at the homes and seized a knife, hammer and hand saw.
The teenagers were taken to Campbelltown Police Station, where they were both charged with two counts of robbery armed with offensive weapon.
The older teenager was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today, while the 17 year old was also refused bail to appear at a children’s court today.
Inquiries into the incidents are continuing.
Extracted from South West Voice