Detectives investigating the armed robbery of a licensed premises in Byron Bay earlier this year, have released CCTV images and are appealing for public information that may assist their inquiries.
Just after 8pm on Tuesday 6 April, 2021, three men – two armed with a machete and a knife – entered the Byron Bay Bowling Club on Marvell Street.
The men threatened a female employee before stealing cash and fleeing the area.
They were last seen running down Marvell Lane toward Tennyson Street, Byron Bay.
The employee was not physically injured during the incident.
Local police commenced inquiries into the incident before detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Radiate.
As investigations continue, detectives have released CCTV vision of three men who may be able to assist police with ongoing inquiries.
One man is described as being of a tall and athletic build. He was wearing a black bandana wrapped around his face and head, a black jacket, dark blue pants, white socks with a black rim around the top, black gloves with a blue band around the wrist, and a black backpack. He is depicted carrying a silver knife.
ANother man depicted is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance and of a medium height and build. He was wearing a black balaclava, black jacket, dark green or dark blue shorts with a bright green and grey stripe on each side.
The man has a distinctive left little finger which may sit at an angle from others. He was barefoot and depicted carrying a silver machete with a brown handle.
The third man is described as being of a medium height and build. He was wearing a black bandana around his face and head, a black jacket, black pants, black socks and black gloves.
Robbery and Serious Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis, said the community should view the CCTV closely to help investigators identify the individuals.
‘To be confronted and threatened with a machete and other weapons is extremely traumatic and police will not tolerate these sorts of violent crimes,’ said Det Supt Koutsoufis.
‘Byron Bay is an extremely busy yet small coastal town, and I am confident there are people out there who know who these men are. I encourage them to come forward and speak with police.’
Ballina & Byron Police advise much of their time is spent on altercations OUTSIDE licensed premises. All of these including BOWLING CLUBS have CCTV inside, so it is a minor expense to run cameras around the external perimeter . This would decrease fights and HOLDUPS and provide more useful footage. I would think a suggestion from the Licensing Sergeant (a person of considerable influence!) would see these cameras installed overnight without the need for any changes of legislation.
Yours, Fred.