Detectives investigating the armed robbery of a motel on the state’s South Coast earlier this month have released CCTV images and are appealing for public information that may assist their inquiries.
About 8.30am on Wednesday 10 November 2021, a man armed with a weapon entered the reception office of a motel on Beach Road, Batemans Bay, and threatened a 55-year-old male employee before destroying a desk phone, stealing cash, then fleeing.
The man was last seen running west along Beach Road a short time after the incident.
Although shaken, the employee was not physically injured.
Detectives from South Coast Police District commenced inquiries into the incident under Strike Force Canty.
As investigations continue, police have released CCTV vision of a man who may be able to assist police with ongoing inquiries.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 20 to 30-years-old, and was wearing a black coloured jumper, cap, pants, and balaclava at the time. Police have been told the man has a distinctive Australian accent.
Detective Sergeant Lee Brown, officer in charge of the investigation, said investigators believe someone in the Batemans Bay area will recognise the man depicted in the CCTV vision.
“Police conducted extensive patrols of the area immediately after the incident but were unsuccessful in locating the person responsible for this brazen crime,” Det Sgt Brown said.
“We’re asking the community to look closely at the CCTV and the person depicted in the dark clothing. We believe someone knows this person and may be able to assist us with our investigation.
“Local businesses up and down the state’s coast have been subject to immense financial pressures from COVID-19. The callous disregard for others, their property and their safety will not be tolerated. I urge anyone with information to come forward,” Det Sgt Brown said.
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 information via NSW Police social media pages.
