Police have privately warned gaming venues to be on high alert for a crime gang after a Laverton hotel was robbed at gunpoint for the third time in seven months.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said Club Laverton on Aviation Road was robbed on Tuesday night after three men stormed the venue.
“Investigators have been told three men armed with a firearm and a machete entered the venue about 8.25,” she said.
“They made demands for cash, threatened staff and left the premises with an amount of money. No one was seriously injured during the incident.”
Police would not say if the robbery was linked to a recent spate of similar crimes.
“Victoria Police is investigating a number of armed robberies at gaming venues in the north-west metro area over the past few months,” the spokeswoman said.
“The investigation is ongoing and no further information will be released at this time.”
An industry insider, who asked not to be named, said police had told them the robberies were believed to be linked.
Police had previously said a Middle Eastern crime gang was believed responsible for eight robberies committed between last June and August, including a hold-up at Club Laverton on June 8.
Police last year arrested a Roxburgh Park man, 22, and a 16-year-old boy in relation to the spate of robberies.
The man, who is charged with seven armed robberies, one attempted armed robbery, firearm possession and other offences, was remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on January 29.
The teenager, who is charged with four armed robberies, one attempted armed robbery, gun possession and other offences, was remanded to face a children’s court.
Club Laverton’s TAB was robbed by three masked men on October 20 when one customer had a gun held to his head.
