POLICE are hunting a balaclava-clad man who threatened a Dandenong North bottle-shop clerk and a take-away restaurant employee in the space of 20 minutes.
The man was wearing the balaclava when he entered the Ingrid Street bottle-o around 7.20pm on Wednesday 24 June and demanded money from a female attendant behind the cash register.
The victim panicked and ran out of the store, prompting the offender to grab a bottle of wine and throw it at the woman as she fled but the bottle missed her and smashed on the ground.
The offender then left the bottle-shop empty-handed.
About 20 minutes later, at 7.40pm, what is believed to be the same man entered a nearby take-away restaurant on Menzies Avenue – this time armed with a knife.
He jumped the counter and demanded money from the shop employee, but the employee’s son was working in a back room and quickly ran out to confront the offender after he heard a disturbance.
As the son approached the counter the offender fled and was last seen running towards Chifley Crescent.
The offender didn’t steal anything from the second store.
Police believe the same man was involved in both incidents.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
