Robbery victims have reported being threatened with axes and hammers as police search for a man responsible for the alleged attacks.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Police believe one man is behind an attempted mugging at an inner-city Melbourne pub and a store robbery on the outskirts of town.
The attacks were one day apart, police said.
Witnesses to the attacks, or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage, have been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Pub ATM theft attempt armed with an axe
A 33-year-old man from Werribee was withdrawing cash from an ATM at a pub in Southbank, Melbourne on November 30 when the unknown offender approached.
He allegedly attempted to snatch the cash from the victim's hand but was unsuccessful.
The unknown man then tried to hit the man with an axe but missed, police said.
The victim was not injured and the unknown man allegedly fled on foot.
Store robbery armed with a hammer
Police believe the same man robbed a store on Heaths Road in Hoppers Crossing, in Melbourne's southwest, at 11.20am on December 1.
A staff member offered to help the unknown offender before he allegedly pulled out a hammer and threatened the worker.
The thief stole items from the store and fled, police said.
The 47-year-old staff member was not physically injured.
Search for armed robber
Investigators have described the wanted man as Caucasian, aged in his 30s with a medium build and a short dark beard.
He was wearing a black 'Post Modern' jacket with a light blue shirt and dark tie.
He was also wearing light blue jeans, a black baseball cap, black shoes and a black bum bag. He also had a dark canvas shopping trolley.
Anyone who witnessed the incidents, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Anna Houlahan
Anna Houlahan is a journalist for the Courier, dedicated to uncovering the stories that shape the city. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
