Two males armed with a machete and a knife have attempted to rob a pub in a NSW town, hours after the premier and police commissioner visited to launch a youth crime prevention program.
Police were called to the licensed premise on Amaroo Drive in Moree after reports of an armed robbery about 9.15pm yesterday after Operation Pathfinder was earlier that day launched with a group of NRL players.
Officers said one armed person walked behind the counter but didn’t take anything.
“As an employee walked in, both males exited the business and entered a white vehicle, driven by a third male, parked out front,” NSW Police said.
“They drove away from the location.”
Police are searching for the males.
The attempted robbery occurred after Premier Chris Minns was joined by a group of NRL stars, including Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker, in Moree.
Local businesses said youth crime had hit them hard, with an increase in car thefts, home invasions and robberies.
The project will offer at-risk youth mentorships with NRL players, sports clinics and trips to Sydney to experience games and training.
Rugby league boss Peter V’landys came up with the idea with the help of senior police.
The NSW government has sought to tighten bail laws for youth offenders to make it harder for repeat offenders to be released.
Minns said the program was a good alternative to prevent youth crime.
“We know we need a major intervention but initiatives like this offer hope and provide an alternative,” he said at the launch.
