By Andrew Starke
Police are conducting investigations into a ram-raid of a hotel at Karuah near Port Stephens this morning (Jul 12).
At about 3:50am police were called to the hotel on Tarean Road after a vehicle reversed into the front doors of the bottle shop, smashing them open, and causing thousands of dollars worth of damage.
It is believed at least three people exited the vehicle, possibly an older model Ford Falcon, and entered the bottle shop where they removed an amount of alcohol.
The alleged bandits also attempted to steal cigarettes from the main bar area of the hotel but triggered an alarm in the process and fled the scene in the car.
The hotel owner attended the premises and notified police who established a crime scene which was examined by specialist forensic officers.
Investigators are in the process of reviewing CCTV footage and attempting to identify the culprits for the robbery who are only described as wearing black hooded jumpers and black track pants.
Anyone with information about the robbery is urged to contact Raymond Terrace Police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.