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Newcastle detectives say they have had a significant breakthrough after arresting several men over a violent armed robbery at a Merewether hotel.
Strike Force Madiera was established after four men stormed into the Mary Ellen Hotel last month, armed with knives and machetes.
Officers from the Strike Force say they foiled another hotel robbery last night, interrupting four men intent on robbing Cessnock's Royal Oak Hotel.
Newcastle Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Humphrey says the operation included tactical surveillance and specialist investigators.
"The three that were arrested last night have been charged with the attempt to rob the Royal Oak Hotel," he said.
"One of those offenders has also been charged with the robbery at the Mary Ellen Hotel.
"And there will be charges of a similar ilk expected to be preferred against the 22-year-old male of no fixed abode, later today."
Detective Chief Inspector Humphrey says it is concerning armed robbers are intent on storming into licenced venues while patrons are still inside.
Patrons involved in the Merewether robbery fought back, and he says that is not recommended.
"Of course it's a concern and hence the degree of resource we've put towards this type of incident," he said.
"The Strike Forces are running another in relation to other armed robberies on licenced premises.
"This is one crew that we've managed to get off the streets and we are very, very pleased by that.
"Brazen? More cowardly in my view."
Detective Chief Inspector Humphrey has praised local detectives for foiling the Cessnock robbery.
He says police will allege a 22-year-old man was a main player in both.
"But there are probably other offenders and the investigations are still continuing," he said.
"This has been an excellent investigation in a very short period of time.
"We're very aware of community expectations surrounding serious offences on licenced premises.
"This is top end stuff for this area.
"These cowardly attempts to run in and rob patrons and staff at hotels late at night.
"We take it obviously very seriously."
Topics: armed-robbery, courts-and-trials, police, merewether-2291, cessnock-2325, maitland-2320, gillieston-heights-2321
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