Investigations are underway following the armed robbery of Lismore Workers Club last night (Monday, September 24).
Police have been told a man approached the manager of the club on Keen Street as he was closing up just after 10.30pm.
The man threatened him with a knife and forced the manager back into the club.
The manager was tied up before being assaulted and forced to open a safe and cash machines.
The man fled with cash, stealing the manager’s car.
Police were alerted and rescued the 45-year-old manager, who was treated by paramedics for minor injuries.
The club has been forensically examined and the employee’s car was found on Victoria Street.
As inquiries continue, police are appealing for public assistance to identify and locate those involved.
Investigators would like to speak to a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
The man is described as being aged in his 30s, about 180cm to 185cm tall, and of a solid build.
At the time, he was wearing a blue hooded jumper, a military-style camouflage jacket, dark-coloured long pants, and his face was covered.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
What an awful thing to have happen. Such a shock for the Manager, hope he’s ok.
We would like to think this is a one-off, but it is setting a precedent in a foreboding future.
Our undemocratic and inhumane political ‘system’ is causing conflicts, divisions and a widening gap between our poor, homeless and disadvantaged and the profiting wealthier few, as they disregard the well-being of Lismore’s increasing destitutes.
There’s no condoning or pardoning anyone here, but we must stop this ‘user-pays’/competitive madness that ignores the social environment and conditions that give rise to these events.