Two Canberra men who allegedly broke into a Tarago hotel and tried to rip an ATM from its footings have been arrested.
Police were called to the Loaded Dog Hotel in Wallace Street at about 8.15am on Wednesday, June 24, following reports of a break and enter.
Officers were advised two men had arrived at the hotel in a white station wagon, entered the business and wrapped straps around an ATM inside the pub.
Police said the men allegedly attached the straps to their vehicle and attempted to remove the ATM from the premises, without success.
Inspector Ben Bowles said the men were interrupted by a person in the hotel while they were trying to dislodge the ATM. At this point, the duo fled the scene in their vehicle.
He said no one in the hotel was threatened or injured.
Police established a crime scene and commenced an investigation.
Inspector Bowles said the men, aged 38 and 42, crashed the station wagon on Foxes Elbow Road, Warri, between Bungendore and Braidwood, at about 10am the same day. Police alleged they were travelling at speed, failed to negotiate a turn and rolled the vehicle.
The men, from the ACT, were arrested at the scene. Police said a sawn-off firearm was recovered from the vehicle. They also believe one of the men had an axe.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated them and conveyed them to Canberra Hospital under police guard in stable condition. One man sustained a fractured vertebrae and ribs, while the other had abrasions.
One of the men has since been released from hospital and taken to the ACT Watchhouse. The other male remains under police guard.
Inspector Bowles said police would apply for their extradition to NSW where they would be charged.
The Loaded Dog licensee did not wish to comment. However, on social media, he posted that "everyone (was) a little bit shaken but we are all okay."
"We would like to thank our staff for their professionalism and the Goulburn police for their speedy attendance and support," he wrote.
ACM understands police investigations lasted much of the day.
Inquiries are ongoing. Anyone with further information is urged to contact Goulburn police on 4824 0799.
