After what appeared to be a number of well-planned, armed thefts on jewellery wholesalers, NSW police launched Strike Force Warbrick in June 2012. Two men – also thought to be Colombian nationals – were arrested and charged last year in connection to the robberies, bringing to four the total charged over the jewellery robberies.
The latest arrests relate to two Sydney-based thefts that occurred in May and August this year, during which wholesalers were allegedly threatened with a firearm and knife and robbed of jewellery valued at more than $1 million.
A 31-year-old man has reportedly been charged with having goods in custody and also detained for being an unlawful citizen. He will remain in custody and appear in court on 1 October 2013.
Another man, 25, was arrested on 22 August. Police also seized a number of items for further examination, including a gold crucifix that was allegedly stolen during one of the robberies.
The man was reportedly charged with robbery while armed with an offensive weapon as well as an outstanding warrant for aggravated break, enter and steal. He was refused bail.
Strike Force Warbrick investigations are continuing.
As reported previously by Jeweller, Strike Force Warbrick detectives believed the international ring could include up to five people with a thorough knowledge of the industry and “a propensity to [perpetrate] violence in order to commit the crime”.
People with information that may assist police have been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
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