Three men have been arrested in connection with a robbery at a Newcastle bowling club, believed by police to be an inside job. The incident occurred at around 4am on December 30, when two masked men, armed with knives, reportedly assaulted a club employee and stole cash and electronics. The employee, aged 44, received medical attention and was taken to hospital.
Following the crime, detectives executed multiple search warrants on January 1, leading to the arrest of a 50-year-old man in Cooks Hill, charged with stealing from his employer, and a 47-year-old in Muswellbrook, charged with larceny and drug possession. Both men were denied bail and appeared in court.
Later, on January 2, police apprehended a 44-year-old man at Newcastle Police Station, charging him with the same theft-related offences as the first man, along with involvement in a criminal group and providing false information. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 6.
Authorities allege that the two arrested employees conspired with the third man, anticipating a significant cash presence due to a poker tournament. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers.