Police release CCTV footage after a string of armed robberies from Bulli to Warrawong

Police have released CCTV footage as part of an investigation into a string of armed robberies across the region.

In April 2024, Strike Force Coppin was established to investigate armed robberies in the Lake Illawarra and Wollongong Police Districts.

A NSW Police spokesperson said police were appealing for information about four armed robberies that took place between April and July.

“At about 11:35 pm on Thursday, 1 April, police were called to Mowbray Lane, Warrawong following reports of armed robbery,” the spokesperson said.

“Officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District responded and were told a 24-year-old female was riding her bike when she was approached by a male with a knife from behind.

“He knocked her off her bike before stealing her handbag and a sum of cash.

“A 25-year-old male tried to intervene, but the man fled over a rear fence in Churchill Avenue, Warrawong.

“The woman sustained minor scratches.”

In another incident, at about 6:45 pm on Saturday, 20 April, police were called to an armed robbery at a store in Gladstone Avenue, Coniston.

“The man threatened the 21-year-old male shop attendance with a knife, while a man dressed in a white jumper allegedly took vapes from the counter,” the NSW Police spokesperson said.

“The pair fled south on Gladstone Avenue, Coniston.

“Officers attached to Wollongong Police District attended and established a crime scene.

“A 36-year-old man was charged and remains before the courts.

“In another incident, at about 10 pm on Tuesday, 9 July, police were called to a hotel on Montgomery Avenue, Warrawong, following reports of an armed robbery.

“Officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District responded and were told a man armed with an axe threatened the 24-year-old male hotel employee before fleeing with cash east along Montgomery Avenue towards Shellharbour Road.

“Police believe the woman pictured can help with their inquiries. She is described as wearing a black jacket with a fur hood, grey crop top, grey tracksuit pants and white shoes.”

In the final incident, at about 8 pm on Saturday, 20 July, police were called to a bottle shop on Princes Highway, Bulli, following reports of an armed robbery.

“Wollongong Police District Officers attended and were told a 24-year-old male employee was threatened with a knife by a man, before he stole cash and fled through the back of the store and ran in a northerly direction towards Railway Street, Bulli,” the NSW Police spokesperson said.

“Police are investigating whether the matters are linked and want to speak to the man pictured in the CCTV who they believe can assist with their inquiries.

“He is described as Caucasian and approximately 165 – 170 cm tall.”

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via their website. Information is treated in strict confidence.