'Open the safe or we'll kill you': Sydney brothel owner robbed at gunpoint
Three gunmen have burst into a south-west Sydney brothel, holding a gun to the owner's head in a terrifying armed robbery.
As thieves raided the Ingleburn business at 3am on Monday, the victim was forced to the floor thinking his life was over.
The lead attacker posed as customer, hiding his weapon behind his back as he approached the counter.
The robbers stole the owner's mobile phone before the gang of three became increasingly desperate and dangerous.
The thugs shouted: “Open the safe or we'll kill you, you dog,” the victim told 7 News.
Fearing for his life, brothel owner Terry co-operated but they continued to torture and taunt him, repeatedly reminding him of their power.
“I didn't know what was going on because they kept on swapping the gun between themselves and they were very violent and very vicious," Terry said.
One of them used the gun to smash a security monitor in the foyer as the camera kept rolling, then they demanded to see the sex workers.
“I was really worried about them because in the past when there was a robbery at this particular business they assault and manhandle the girls,” Terry said.
“They meant business and they were after money and they were out to hurt people.”
Fortunately the women outsmarted them and fled out the back.
The men left with cash, but the manager was not physically injured.
About an hour before the Ingleburn robbery, three armed men matching the descriptions of the Ingleburn men held up another brothel in nearby Villawood.
Detectives suspect the two incidents are linked linked and now the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad has taken the lead on the investigation to catch the robbers, who remain on the run.
A special taskforce has been established to uncover their identities.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
