Newcastle police hunt bandits after Hotel Elermore robbery

Detectives are investigating whether a gang of crooks who threatened a hotel employee before escaping with cash just stumbled across the worker or planned the robbery.

Detectives are investigating the armed robbery of Hotel Elermore, at Elermore Vale, about 1.30am on January 10. Picture: Facebook.

It is a question being asked by seasoned investigators which could add years to any jail term – did a gang of crooks who robbed a suburban Newcastle pub employee of thousands of dollars plan the holdup or was it a burglary gone wrong.

Newcastle City detectives are investigating the frightening confrontation inside Hotel Elermore about 1.30am on January 10 where a female employee was threatened by two men before handing over a significant amount of cash.

But as part of the probe, investigators are delving into whether those responsible thought they were breaking into an empty pub, once known as the Shaft Tavern at Elermore Vale, and were as startled as the employee when they discovered someone inside.

Nevertheless, the bandits will be looking at a charge of robbery in company when law enforcement catch up with them.

Police said the men arrived in a stolen Holden Commodore before breaking into the pub and walking towards the hotel’s office, where they found the woman counting cash.

They stole the cash before fleeing.

An investigation by Newcastle City detectives has been launched.

Information should be forwarded onto Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 o00.