News

Two men charged after ATM explosion in Shellharbour

Friday, November 30, 2018

Two men will face court today, after being charged over an attempt to blow up an ATM to access cash in Shellharbour. 

Firefighters and police were called to a shopping centre on College Avenue in Shellharbour, in the early hours of September 18 - to reports of an ATM on fire.

Witnesses reported seeing two men running from the area around the time the fire was noticed.

After the blaze was extinguished, a crime scene was established by local police and examined by specialist forensic officers. The ATM had not been accessed.

Initial inquiries revealed the fire was caused by a small explosion.

Strike Force Marom was established to investigate the incident, with detectives searching homes at Barrack Heights and Koonawarra, about 6.40am yesterday.

During the searches, investigators allegedly seized prohibited weapons, five cannabis plants growing in a small hydroponic set-up, other prohibited drugs, and other items relevant to the investigation.

Two men were arrested during the operation and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station.

The 39-year-old Barrack Heights man was charged with attempt aggravated break, enter in company with intent to steal; destroy/damage property in company use fire, two counts of ongoing supply prohibited drugs, and four counts of possess prohibited weapons.

The 57-year-old Koonawarra man was charged with attempt aggravated break, enter in company with intent to steal; destroy/damage property in company use fire, and enhanced indoor cultivation of prohibited plant for commercial purpose.

Both men were refused bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court today.