Police allege a violent robbery at a Merriwa tobacco shop that sparked a month-long police investigation was faked.
In late July, Sam Collins, 21, allegedly entered the Smokers Warehouse on Baltimore Parade and started looking at products before walking behind the counter and pulling out a screwdriver in front of worker Sophia Howard, 22.
He allegedly pushed Howard and demanded she open the till before grabbing $900 and fleeing the store.
She then called triple-zero which resulted in heavy police response and triggered a month-long armed robbery investigation where police even released CCTV footage to the public.
But police now allege the whole incident was a charade.
They allege Howard and the man were in a relationship and planned a fake robbery.
A few days after the incident, police allege Howard tried to claim workers’ compensation, which was being processed by her insurance company but no money was paid out.
Police arrested the pair on August 28 and charged both with creating false beliefs and several other drug and stealing offences.
Howard did not comment when approached by 9News Perth and asked about the alleged ruse.
When asked how long it took to plan the charade, Howard said: “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
Howard no longer works at the store.
The pair appeared at Joondalup magistrates court on October 11.