The Hunter has received an unwanted milestone by reaching 100 armed robberies in 2012.

A recent armed hold-up which took place on Monday night at the Ridge Street Takeaway at Merewether marked the 100th such robbery in the Hunter this year.

Since January 1st this year there have been 34 incidents in Central Hunter, 17 in Lake Macquarie, 4 in the Hunter Valley, and 3 in Port Stephens. That translates to an average of 1 robbery every 2 and a half days across Newcastle City, Central Hunter, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Valley and Port Stephens.

There are concerns that television shows which glamorize the culture surrounding crime are to blame for the growth.