Shanel Tofaeono charged after alleged jewellery theft at Germani Jewellery, Sydney

Detectives have charged a man after an alleged jewellery heist in Sydney’s CBD. The western Sydney resident allegedly used ‘corporal violence’ during the incident. Watch footage of his arrest.

Police have charged Shanel Tofaeono over an alleged armed robbery at a luxury jewellery store in Sydney’s CBD in January.

The store owner – a 65-year-old man – and a 47-year-old female employee attended Germani Jewellery in the QVB on George St to assist two male customers with an appointment on Thursday January 19 about 6.30pm.

A short time later, one of the men allegedly threatened the woman with a knife, while the other man threatened the store owner and demanded access to the store safe.

The man and woman were restrained before the men allegedly fled the store with jewellery.

Sydney City police initiated inquiries, before the matter was referred to the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad.

Police arrested 37-year-old Rydalmere man Shanel Tofaeono (centre) on Thursday morning. Picture: NSW Police

Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives searched a home at Rydalmere on Thursday where they arrested 37-year-old Tofaeono about 7.45am.

He was taken to Granville police station where he was charged with aggravated robbery and depriving a person of liberty, participating in a criminal group contribute to criminal activity, and possessing or using a prohibited weapon without permit.

He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court, where bail was not applied for and refused.

Court documents allege “at the time of the robbery used corporal violence on the said victims and deprived the victims of his or her liberty”.

The matter will return to court on June 8.

Investigations under Strike Force Ingestre continue.

Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Ingestre investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.

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