DETECTIVES are probing links between at least three violent robberies in Armidale, which saw two men and a woman hospitalised.
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The manhunt for the offenders behind the hold-ups stepped up this week after another victim was targeted, this time a man who was knocked unconscious in Kentucky St.
“It is a concern that these offences have involved violence,” New England Inspector Roger Best told The Leader.
“Detectives are investigating a line of inquiry that one or more of the offenders have been involved in multiple offences.”
The 48-year-old man was attacked and robbed of his wallet and found lying near the side of the road about 11.30pm on Saturday.
It was the second violent incident in just a week after a 26-year-old woman was hospitalised with serious facial injuries after she was set upon by two offenders on January 29.
The woman was walking along Marsh St when the teenage offenders attacked her, and stole her handbag, containing a wallet and other goods.
On January 10, a 34-year-old man was stabbed in the stomach after three offenders – armed with a knife and golf club – tried to rob him as he walked with a woman along the bike path between Butler and O’Dell Streets.
The attempted robbery happened in broad daylight as the pair walked home from work.
In all three robberies, the offenders were described as teenagers and were were wearing dark clothing.
And, in two of the incidents, the victims told police one of the offenders was Aboriginal in appearance and had long, dark curly hair.
“Armidale detectives are actively working on all three cases at this time and investigating any such links in their lines of inquiry,” Inspector Best said.
“When you look back at the incidents of robberies in recent years, it’s certainly not a usual occurrence.”
The violent – and desperate – actions of the offenders to grab cash quickly means detectives are investigating if the crimes are being fuelled by drugs.
When you look back at the incidents of robberies in recent years, it’s certainly not a usual occurrence.
- New England Inspector Roger Best
“Certainly in relation to motivation, it would be reasonable to suspect that fuelling a drug habit would a be likely motive,” Inspector Best said.
“And, we would urge any community members with information on the identity of these offenders to come forward.”
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
