By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A man has allegedly wielded a hammer during an armed robbery at a Big W outlet at Parkmore shopping centre.
The 23-year-old Hampton Park man had taken a hammer from the store’s shelving about 7pm on Saturday 26 January, police say.
He then allegedly placed several items including watches in his backpack.
According to police, the man threatened staff with the hammer as he left without paying for the items.
A short time later, he was arrested at a nearby McDonald’s eatery in possession of the allegedly stolen items.
Police charged him with armed robbery.
He was expected to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 30 January.
