A Dandenong South cafe was among five targets in a string of south-east armed robberies.
Detectives from the Frankston Embona Taskforce are investigating the incidents which started with the Abbotts Road hold-up on Saturday 10 June.
A man parked a silver Nissan Navara ute with false number plates ZVA 874 at the cafe’s rear just after 11am and entered armed with a knife and hammer.
He demanded cash and cigarettes and was given both before he left the premises.
The Navara was last seen travelling east towards the South Gippsland Highway.
The bandit was wearing a black mask and a hooded jumper.
Incidents followed in Braeside on Wednesday 14 June, where the culprit was described as 168 centimetres tall with a thin build, in Carrum Downs on Sunday 18 June, Frankston on Monday 19 June and Baxter on Tuesday 20 June.
No one was injured during any of the incidents.
Investigators released CCTV from the Frankston incident and an image of the vehicle from the Carrum Downs incident, which they believe was used each time.
Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au with any information.
The raider during one of his attacks.
