There’s been an alarming rise in the number of robberies with a weapon other than a firearm along the Mid North Coast.
The latest Bureau of Crime Statistics report shows the category was up 89 percent.
It’s the sharpest upward trend of any criminal activity across the state.
A string of armed-hold ups occurred across the North Coast in recent months, with a number of fast-food outlets and the Urunga Bowling Club falling victim.
Strike Force Mehi was established by the Coffs Clarence Command to investigate the robberies, and after conducting a number of home raids, five arrests were made last month.
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