NSW POLICE’S Raptor Squad has charged a man following an alleged aggravated robbery in Port Stephens earlier this year.
Strike Force Bromsgrove is an investigation by State Crime Command’s Raptor North into a series of aggravated robbery-related incidents in the Nelson Bay area in March 2025.
About 5.25am on Thursday 27 March, emergency services were called to Salamander Way in Salamander Bay following reports of a home invasion.
On arrival, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District were told five unknown men dressed in dark clothing and face coverings – two armed with firearms, and one armed with a knife – had entered the home.
The group of males allegedly threatened the home’s occupants – a 48-year-old woman and two men aged 52 and 26 – demanding drugs before stealing their mobile phones, a luxury handbag, and a luxury hat.
The offenders then fled the scene in a white 4WD vehicle, suspected to be bearing stolen registration plates CX35UZ.
Local police commenced initial inquiries and NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the youngest man for a suspected broken nose.
The matter was then referred to State Crime Command’s Raptor North who commenced investigations under Strike Force Bromsgrove.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives arrested 31-year-old man Phoenix Rash in Ultimo last Thursday.
He was taken to Day Street Police Station, where he was charged with “accessory before the fact to robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon”, and “larceny value <=$2000”.
Police also allege the man stole the number plates used in the robbery from an address in Claremont Meadows on Wednesday 26 March.
Mr Rash was refused bail to appear in court on Friday 10 October 2025, and will appear again before the Local Court – Crime at Newcastle on 10 December.
As a condition of bail, Mr Rash must attend Sydney Police Station once daily between 8am and 8pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
He also must not enter any international airport or other point of departure from Australia, and must remain at his place of residence between 9pm and 6am.
Among a range of other bail conditions, Mr Rash must also not enter Nelson Bay or Salamander Bay.
Investigations under Strike Force Bromsgrove continue.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information is managed on a confidential basis.
The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
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