POLICE are investigating potential links between two robberies, including one where a teenager was threatened with a knife, and a spate of crime in Kelso over the weekend.
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The two robberies were among a spate of incidents reported to police; a number of cars were also stolen and homes broken into.
Crime manager with Chifley Police District, Detective Inspector Luke Rankin said the nature of the crimes were “very unusual” with police not discounting the theory those responsible are from outside the region.
As a result, Inspector Detective Inspector Rankin said police patrols have been stepped up in the area, and police are reviewing intel reports trying to catch the culprits.
“The two reports of robberies are highly unusual; in the first incident a 50-year-old woman had her handbag stolen and in the second a teenager was robbed after being threatened with a knife.
“We don’t know at this stage if they are related but there were also a couple of break and enters, the proceeds of which in some cases were the theft of a car, it’s possible they have broken in to steal the keys.”
With the incidents all out of the ordinary, police have stepped up patrols in the area, with Det Inspector Rankin urging the community if they see something suspicious to speak up; as chances are the police won’t be far away.
“We have crews in the area, so if people see something suspicious, we need them to call us,” he said.
He said timely information from the public was invaluable for police, who, chances are will be in the vicinity, adding the public were the eyes and the ears of police.
He said because of the type of crime, police were following a number of lines of inquiry.
“Because it is unusual we are looking at what has changed; is there someone new in the community, or someone with a variation in bail?.
“Quite often in situations like this recidivism is a major issue.”
Detective Inspector Rankin said the key message to get out to the community is if you see something unusual, speak up.
“If you think it’s out of the ordinary call us,” he said, stressing timely information was often the difference between police making an arrest on the spot.
Anyone with information on any of the crimes, or who sees something suspicious is asked to call Bathurst Police on 63328699.