Three charged over alleged 'inside job' of bowling club robbery

Three men have been charged over the robbery of a bowling club in Newcastle that police allege was an inside job.

At about 5am on Monday, December 30 last year, police were called to the club on Boreus Road in Hamilton North.

They were told two men, allegedly carrying knives and dressed in black, entered the club about an hour earlier, at 4am.

READ MORE: Man charged with trail bike hit and run as dad fights for life

The men allegedly attacked a staff member before stealing cash and electronics.

A 44-year-old club employee was treated by paramedics and taken to hospital.

Following inquiries, from about 8.20am on Wednesday this week, police executed four search warrants in Cooks Hill, Beresfield, and Muswellbrook.

At the Cooks Hill address, police arrested a 50-year-old man and charged him with stealing from his employer.

READ MORE: Murder charge after elderly man killed during alleged assault at hotel

He was refused bail and appeared in court yesterday.

Police arrested a 47-year-old man in Muswellbrook and was charged with larceny and drug possession.

He was refused bail and appeared in court on Wednesday.

At about 12pm yesterday, police arrested a 44-year-old man at Newcastle Police Station.

He was charged with stealing from his employer, participating in a criminal group, and providing a false statement.

He was bailed to attend court on March 6.

Police will allege the 44-year-old and 50-year-old were club employees who helped stage the armed robbery with the 47-year-old.

They claim the pair knew there would be cash on the premises following a poker tournament.

The investigation continues.

Anybody with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.