TWO men have been refused bail, accused of a ram raid at a Werris Creek club, plus several other break-ins and thefts.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The pair, both aged 22, were arrested when the robbery squad and local police swooped on them in a house early on Wednesday.
The pair are alleged to be behind the targeted hit on the Werris Creek Bowling and Tennis Club in the early hours of October 14.
A local policeman was forced to fire shots at a getaway car the men were alleged to have been in, after it rammed the officer in Henry Street about 2.30am.
Police had been called after a ram raid on the club, and spotted the stolen Holden Rodeo ute before it turned on him.
The offenders fled and the ute was dumped on The Gap Road. Back-up was called and police scoured the area.
READ ALSO:
Strike Force Ousley was setup in the wake of the violent ram raid, with the state's Robbery and Serious Crime Squad deployed from Sydney to back-up Oxley detectives.
As part of investigations into the targeted hit, detectives homed in on links to several other offences across the North West including the attempted theft of an ATM from a bank in Bingara on July 29 in 2018; stolen cars from a business within Narrabri on November 18, last year; and a break-in at a club on Golf Club Road at Wee Waa at about dawn on January 21. Police said during that incident, cash and alcohol were stolen.
Detectives are also investigating links to an aggravated break-in at a car wash cash machine in Tuncurry on September 28, last year.
Police made a breakthrough in the case this week, raiding two homes in Wee Waa at 7am on Wednesday. The strike force, backed by the Western Region Operations Support Group (OSG), surrounded the homes, and arrested the men.
During the raids, officers seized clothing, a Hyundai Accent and Holden Commodore, and other items they claim are connected to the investigation.
The men were taken to Narrabri police station. One was charged with 11 offences including aggravated break-and-enter in company; while the second man is facing six charges.
Both have been refused bail to front Gunnedah Local Court. Police said Strike Force Ousley investigations are continuing.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
