by Michaela Meade
Update:
Police have released new images and CCTV footage in relation to an alleged armed robbery in Westmeadows last year.
Police said a woman was confronted by two men allegedly armed with firearms at the Westmeadows Tavern on March 2, 2020. Officers were called to the scene just after 5am.
Police said that shortly after officers arrived, the woman ran from the venue alleging she had been held inside. She was not physically harmed during the incident.
Armed Crime Squad Inspector Dean Thomas said the alleged use of firearms in this way was concerning.
He said these types of offences often require counselling for victims.
“These alleged offences are incredibly serious and terrifying for the victim who was just going about her work,” Inspector Thomas said.
“This will have long lasting effects on both her and the wider community.
“[There are] serious ramifications for victims, they often require counselling, and have to learn how to live with and learn to manage [the impacts].”
The images and CCTV vision released today reveal an image of a man leaving the venue.
The footage shows two men inside the venue, as well as a dark coloured SUV believed to have been used by the men to leave the scene.
Police arrested a 58-year-old Greenvale man in Bonds Lane on April 2 last year in relation to the incident.
He was charged with armed robbery, false imprisonment and aggravated burglary and remanded in custody to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court.
Detectives are making a fresh appeal for anyone with information to come forward.
Inspector Thomas said the second man they are searching for is the larger of the two seen in CCTV footage from inside the venue
“We believe that there are people in the community that know exactly who was involved in this and we are urging those people to come forward and speak to us,” Inspector Thomas said.
“I appeal to the public, anyone who might know or recognise the man, to contact the police… If anyone knows [the man] or looks at this image or the vehicle [and thinks] they know any information, please contact Crime Stoppers.
“We’re very keen to identify that person and bring him before the court.”
Inspector Thomas would not disclose how long the men were in the venue.
Police are urging anyone who recognises the man or the vehicle in the images, or with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
