TWO armed robbers threatened staff at a Wendouree hotel with a gun and axe handle before fleeing with cash on Monday morning.
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Ballarat police were called to the Blue Bell Hotel on Howitt Street about 1am.
Police said the robbers gained entry through the hotel’s rear door and threatened staff with a handgun and axe handle before fleeing with cash.
Police are urging anyone with more information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Armed Crime Taskforce detectives travelled from Melbourne to investigate the incident.
The taskforce responds to robberies at gaming venues or incidents where a gun is involved.
The robbery is thought to have occured shortly before close, and it is unknown whether any patrons were
inside at the time.
Police did not reveal how much money was taken from the premises.
Patrons injected almost $6 million into the hotel’s 48 licensed electronic gaming machines in the 2013/14 financial year, according to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation.
Hotel management declined to comment on the incident to The Courier.
Blue Bell Hotel regular patron Anne Fithall-Jones said she was saddened by the news.
“It continues to sadden me that there are those out there with no care for anyone or anything outside their own wants,” she said.
“I am glad the staff are safe. They are a great bunch of people who always endeavour to make patrons feel welcome.”
Police investigators would not release any further information about the incident on Monday afternoon.
Anyone with more information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
kara.irving@fairfaxmedia.com.au
