Haymarket hotel robbery: Novotel staff threatened

Table of Contents

• Early-morning armed theft leaves staff shaken; police release CCTV
• What happened
• Evidence and investigation
• Suspect vehicle and movements
• What was taken
• Police advice and public appeal
• How this affects staff and security thinking
• How you can help
• Key takeaways
• FAQs

Early-morning armed theft leaves staff shaken; police release CCTV

The Haymarket hotel robbery at a Little Pier Street Novotel in Sydney has left two staff members shaken after they were detained and threatened during a violent early-morning raid. Police say the incident occurred at about 5:40am and involved two masked offenders who stole a portable safe before fleeing in a stolen beige Volvo.

What happened

Police were called to the hotel on Little Pier Street after staff reported being threatened and a safe taken from the premises. Detectives found a 31-year-old male and a 31-year-old female employee had been detained by the offenders but suffered no physical injuries.

Initial reports suggested a firearm was used, but CCTV later indicated the weapon was most likely a screwdriver. Detectives have reviewed footage from inside the hotel to confirm how the offenders acted during the robbery.

Evidence and investigation

Investigators have secured CCTV footage and plan to release images of the offenders to the public. Police said the offenders’ faces were covered and that one wore a grey jumper and grey tracksuit pants while the other wore dark clothing.

Detective Inspector Gary Coffey described the attack as “particularly terrifying” for the staff on duty so early in the morning. Authorities emphasise that, although the incident was violent, it is an uncommon occurrence in the city.

"Particularly terrifying, particularly for the staff involved."

Suspect vehicle and movements

Police believe the offenders left the scene in a beige Volvo, NSW registration CJZ 08Z. That vehicle was reported stolen from a Petersham address on 23 January and remains outstanding.

The car was last seen travelling north along Harbour Street after turning left from Little Pier Street. Investigators are urging anyone who sees the vehicle or recognises the men to contact Crime Stoppers or Day Street Police Station, and they warn the public not to approach the suspects.

What was taken

The safe stolen during the raid was small and portable, which allowed the offenders to carry it out themselves. Hotel management told police the safe contained documents and hotel-related materials rather than cash or high-value items.

Police advice and public appeal

Detectives will release CCTV images later today and are asking the community to assist with identification. Anyone with information about the stolen Volvo—registration CJZ 08Z—or the two offenders is asked to contact Crime Stoppers or the local police station immediately.

Police stress members of the public should not approach the vehicle or the men if they encounter them. Instead, report sightings to authorities and provide location and time details to help investigators respond safely and quickly.

How this affects staff and security thinking

Incidents like this highlight vulnerabilities for hospitality venues that operate overnight with minimal staff. Employers should review security protocols, consider staff safety training, and assess physical deterrents such as strengthened safes and CCTV placement that captures entrances and exits clearly.

Staff wellbeing after traumatic events is also critical. Businesses should ensure affected employees can access counselling or debriefing services and review roster and security arrangements to reduce future risk.

How you can help

• Check dashcam or CCTV footage if you were driving in the area around 5:30–6:00am and report anything unusual.
• Do not approach the suspects or the vehicle if you see it—call police and provide exact location details.
• Contact Crime Stoppers or Day Street Police Station with any tips about the beige Volvo, registration CJZ 08Z.

Key takeaways

• Two masked offenders threatened and detained two staff members at a Novotel in Haymarket at about 5:40am.
• One offender was likely armed with a screwdriver, according to CCTV footage.
• A small, portable safe containing documents—not high-value cash—was stolen.
• The suspects fled in a stolen beige Volvo, NSW registration CJZ 08Z; police urge the public not to approach them.
• Police will release CCTV images and are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers or Day Street Police Station.

FAQs

How many staff were involved and were they injured?

Two staff members—a 31-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman—were detained and threatened. Both were physically uninjured but shaken by the incident.

What did the offenders use as a weapon?

While initial reports suggested a firearm, CCTV footage indicates the offender was most likely armed with a screwdriver.

What was taken from the hotel?

The offenders stole a small, portable safe that contained documents and hotel-related materials rather than cash or high-value items.

What vehicle did the suspects use to flee?

The suspects fled in a beige Volvo with New South Wales registration CJZ 08Z, a vehicle reported stolen from Petersham on 23 January.

How can the public assist the investigation?

Anyone who sees the vehicle or can identify the offenders should contact Crime Stoppers or Day Street Police Station. Do not approach the suspects; report sightings to police immediately.

The information in this article has been adapted from mainstream news sources and video reports published on official channels. Watch the full video here 'Particularly terrifying': Novotel staff threatened in early morning hotel robbery | 7NEWS