Club Officials Accused of Orchestrating Fake Armed Robbery in Newcastle

21 February 2025

Three men, including two employees of Hamilton North Bowling Club, have been charged over an alleged staged armed robbery in Newcastle, which police will allege in court, was an inside job.

On Monday, 30 December 2024, emergency services responded to reports of an armed robbery at the Boreas Road club at Hamilton North around 5 am. It was reported that two men, dressed in black and wielding knives, entered the premises at approximately 4 am, assaulting a 44-year-old staff member before making off with cash and electronics. The employee was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and transported to John Hunter Hospital for further care.

A crime scene was established, and forensic examinations were conducted. The investigation was taken over by the State Crime Command’s Robbery & Serious Crime Squad under Strike Force Rummage.

Following extensive inquiries, on Wednesday, 19 February 2025, detectives executed search warrants in Cooks Hill, Beresfield, and Muswellbrook. A 50-year-old man was arrested at a Cooks Hill residence and charged with stealing property as a clerk or servant. He was refused bail and appeared at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday, 20 February 2025.

In Muswellbrook, a 47-year-old man was apprehended and charged with entering a building with intent to commit an indictable offence, larceny valued over $15,000, and possession of a prohibited drug. He was also denied bail and faced Singleton Local Court the same day.

Later, a 44-year-old man was arrested at Newcastle Police Station and charged with stealing property as a clerk or servant, participating in a criminal group contributing to criminal activity, and knowingly making a false or misleading statement. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday, 6 March 2025.

Police allege that the 44 and 50-year-old men, both employees of the club, conspired with the 47-year-old man to stage the armed robbery, aware that significant cash would be on the premises following a poker tournament. The investigation under Strike Force Rummage is ongoing.

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or visit nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. All information provided will be treated with strict confidence.