By Esther Lauaki
Police are appealing for public assistance after a robbery at a tobacco store in Sunbury earlier today (September 18).
Officers said that three men entered the store on Evans Street, wearing balaclavas over their faces about 7.20am.
They said that one offender jumped over the service counter and grabbed the female store attendant by her hair, forcing her to open two registers, demanding cash.
Two other men went into a rear storeroom and loaded a large amount of cigarettes into a blanket.
They also forced their way into a rear office area and stole cash located inside, as well as the victim’s handbag, police said.
The three men ran from the store drove away in a black Holden Cruze sedan, bearing registration AAI-002.
As they attempted to leave the scene, the offenders collided with another vehicle and sustained substantial damage to the front passenger-side door.
Police said that the Holden was sighted on the Tullamarine Freeway, in the vicinity of the airport and was last seen travelling north along Pascoe Vale Road towards Craigieburn.
The 51-year-old store attendant was unharmed.
Hume Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating and are keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage in the area.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
