Two teenagers have been charged and three others remain on the run after a brothel owner was allegedly assaulted in an overnight rampage across western Sydney.
Police said five men allegedly armed with baseball bats and a machete approached the 62-year-old man behind the reception desk at the Christina Road business in Villawood about 9.45pm.
There, they allegedly assaulted him and stole some cash before fleeing the scene in a small blue Holden Barina hatch.
The owner was treated for facial injuries before he was taken to Auburn Hospital, where he is currently recovering.
Acting Commander Darren Sly said police would allege the same group was involved in a string of other break-ins and armed robberies in the area.
"Their actions are cowardly. That's all they are, cowards," he said.
About 7pm that same night, the men were reported breaking into a home on Judith Street in Chester Hill with a machete and baseball bats and assaulting a 28-year-old inside.
They allegedly stole two mobile phones before leaving in the same car.
Sly said police later caught sight of the group on Jamieson Lane in Fairfield East about 10.30pm and tried to confront them, which instead sent them allegedly running.
A man was allegedly found in the backyard of a home and a chase began over the fences of several properties.
The 19-year-old was eventually arrested and charged with aggravated break and enter, committing a serious indictable offence and robbery in company.
He was refused bail and will face court later today.
About 15 minutes after the 19-year-old, police found two males inside a blue Holden Barina hatch in nearby Malta Street.
Sly said the driver allegedly swung the machete at police and fled but officers caught up to and arrested a 16-year-old boy.
He has since been charged with having goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen, recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime and possessing a prohibited drug.
Investigations are underway to locate three others believed to be involved in the alleged crime spree.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
