Police probe hold-up links

By Nicole Williams
POLICE suspect two armed robberies in Springvale on Monday night may be linked.
Frankston Embona Task Force Senior Constable Frank Vandoeselaar said two balaclava-clad men entered a milk bar on Harold Road, Springvale South, at 9.30pm on Monday.
He said one man kept watch at the door and the second man, armed with a large knife, demanded cash from the female store attendant.
The two men fled towards Springvale Road with about $200.
A male customer was also in the store at the time but was not injured.
About 10 minutes later, a group of three armed men entered a service station on Heatherton Road, Springvale armed with a knife, machete and baseball bat.
Two of the men were wearing balaclavas and one wore a handkerchief. Two of the men made demands of the two attendants to open the cash register before fleeing the store with $200 in cash and about $200 in cigarettes and lighters.
Sen Const Vandoeselaar said the robberies had many similarities and police were investigating a possible link.
Also on Monday night, police arrested two men after an armed robbery in Dandenong.
Sen Const Vandoeselaar said two men both armed with knives entered a grocery store on Hemming Street about 9.20pm.
The men threatened the male attendant and demanded he open the cash register. When he refused, one of the men stole a laptop.
Police believe a sedan parked next to the shop was used as they fled the scene. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.