A 45-year-old man has been charged following a police investigation into an alleged armed robbery attempt at a licensed premises in Tuncurry, on the New South Wales Mid North Coast. NSW Police announced the charges on Friday, 6 November 2026.

According to police, the incident occurred at approximately 12:30 am on Monday, 17 August 2026, when officers were called to a licensed premises on Manning Street, Tuncurry, following reports of an attempted armed robbery.

Investigators were told that a female employee had finished work and left the premises after closing for the night. As she was outside the property, two men allegedly approached her.

Police allege that one of the men threatened the woman with a firearm and demanded to enter the premises. The situation raised serious safety concerns for the employee, who was confronted by the men during the early hours of the morning.

However, the alleged offenders left the location shortly afterwards without gaining access to the property.

Following the incident, officers attached to the Manning/Great Lakes Police District launched an investigation under Strike Force Balero. Detectives began examining the circumstances surrounding the attempted robbery and conducting inquiries to identify those responsible.

During the investigation, police discovered a sawn-off, double-barrel shotgun abandoned in bushland in Tuncurry. The firearm was located as investigators continued gathering evidence connected with the alleged incident.

Police subsequently identified a suspect and continued their inquiries over the following weeks.

On Wednesday, 4 November 2026, officers arrested a 45-year-old man at Grafton Police Station at approximately 10:45 am.

The man was charged with one count of attempting to commit robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon.

Following his arrest, the matter was brought before Bail Division Court 1 on Thursday, 5 November 2026. The man was formally refused bail and the case is scheduled to proceed before Taree Local Court.

NSW Police have confirmed that inquiries into the alleged armed robbery remain ongoing.

The incident has highlighted concerns about the safety of workers leaving licensed premises late at night, particularly employees who may be required to close businesses and travel home during quieter hours.

Police investigations into incidents involving firearms are treated seriously because of the potential risks to employees, customers and members of the public.

Authorities are continuing their work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether anyone else was involved.

The latest development was announced by NSW Police on 6 November 2026, marking a significant step in the investigation that began following the alleged August robbery attempt.