Arrests After Australian Flag Stolen From Newtown RSL

Two Women and Man Arrested and Charged After Australian National Flag Stolen from Newtown RSL on Australia Day Eve

Three people in their 20's have been arrested and charged following the robbery of an Australian flag from the Newtown RSL sub branch on Monday night, on the eve of Australia Day. The alleged offenders are a man and a woman from Darlington aged 27 and a woman from Waverly also 27.

It is understood that the robbery occurred at about 10pm on Monday night when a man allegedly scaled a steel fence of the RSL and scaled a wall. He is then alleged to have climbed onto a bin and then onto the porch of the RSL hall. Using a pair of chicken shears he allegedly cut the ropes attaching the Australian National Flag which was flying on the flag pole.

It is alleged that one of the two women was assisting the man by holding the ropes while the other woman kept lookout.

The man then allegedly placed the flag into a bag and all three left the area on push bikes. The were spotted by police shortly afterwards in Holt Street.

Police allegedly witnessed the man come stop, reach into the bag he was carrying and throw the Australian Flag away.

After they were stopped by police, a search was conducted of the bag and a pair of chicken shears were allegedly found.

All three were arrested and take to the Newtown Police Station for questioning and were later charged with theft.

They were granted bail and are scheduled to appear before the Newtown Local Court on February 16.

Police have returned the Flag to the President of the Newtown RSL on Australia Day.