25 October 2024

Police officer arrested at Shell Cove over alleged break and enter at Lightning Ridge

| Zoe Cartwright
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Police tape

NSW Police have charged two men over a violent break and enter in Lightning Ridge. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

A police officer attached to the Southern Region command was arrested at Shell Cove over his alleged involvement in a break and enter at Lightning Ridge.

The man, along with a co-accused, will appear in court today following an alleged aggravated break and enter in northwestern NSW earlier this month.

A NSW Police spokesperson said about 7:30 pm on Thursday 3 October 2024, emergency services were called to a property in Lightning Ridge following reports two men had allegedly forced entry to the home and tied up the 78-year-old occupant before threatening him and stealing $100,000 cash.

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“The elderly man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for arm and leg injuries, before being taken to Lightning Ridge Hospital in a stable condition,” the NSW Police spokesperson said.

“He has since been released.”

“Officers attached to Central North Police District commenced an investigation with the matter referred to the Professional Standards Command after one of the men allegedly involved was identified as an off-duty police officer.

“Following extensive investigations under Strike Force Beniel on Thursday, 24 October, detectives – with assistance from specialist officers – executed search warrants at two homes in the Lake Illawarra area where they seized several items relevant to the investigation.

“During a subsequent vehicle stop at Shell Cove, investigators arrested a 36-year-old off-duty senior constable and a 51-year-old man.”

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Both men were taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station where they were charged with aggravated break and enter and committing a serious indictable offence.

They were both refused bail to appear before Wollongong Local Court today (25 October).

Investigations under Strike Force Beniel remain ongoing.

NSW Police said the officer’s employment status is under review.

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