A masked machete-wielding robber terrorised attendants at two service stations in Melbourne’s north-west on Saturday morning, brandishing his weapon and demanding cash and cigarettes.
The armed man entered the United Petroleum service station on Melton Highway about 5.15am on Saturday and threatened an attendant before fleeing towards Kings Road with his stolen goods.
A short time later, the same man entered a Coles Express service station on Melton Highway in Taylors Lakes armed with a different knife. He again demanded cash and cigarettes.
The man is described as Caucasian, thin with blue eyes and wearing dark clothing.
Service station attendant Manesh Kanta said he was cleaning when the offender walked into his United Petroleum store brandishing a knife about 40cm long.
The man was wearing a black hoodie with a mask over his face and started making demands as he approached Mr Kanta at the console.
Fearing for his safety as the only staff member in the store, Mr Kanta handed over $400 and some packets of cigarettes.
“I was very nervous and scared. I’ve never seen this happen before, except in videos,” he said.
“He straight away showed the knife and asked for money and smokes. I just tried to give him as little money as I could, I didn’t give him any big notes, just $5, $10 and $20.”
Mr Kanta said the man walked away from the store and he did not see him get in a car.
Investigators are appealing for anyone with information or CCTV in the area to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Extracted from The Age