Hunt for bandit

By Ed Merrison
DETECTIVES are on the hunt for an armed robber who struck at two premises in Knox last week.
The first incident occurred when a man entered Westpac bank at the Mountain Gate Shopping Centre in Ferntree Gully about 4.55pm on Monday, 28 November.
Detective Sergeant Matt Gleeson from the Armed Offenders Squad said the man produced a note demanding cash and threatened staff with a handgun.
The quick-thinking staff activated the security shutters, forcing the man to flee empty-handed.
At 6.10pm the same day, police say the same man walked into the nearby Knox Tavern in the Knox Shopping Centre.
He forced entry into an office where he cornered two female staff.
Once again, the bandit produced a note demanding cash and threatened the women with his gun.
The staff were forced to fill a plastic bag with money and were later shunted out of the office into the gaming venue where further demands were made for cash.
After obtaining an undisclosed sum of money, the man fled the scene.
No shots were fired during the two incidents and there was no report of injury.
However, Det Sgt Gleeson said the incidents were serious, and feared the man could become more dangerous.
“Although not physically injured during these incidents, the victims did and will continue to suffer from this traumatic event.
“The offender became more violent and threatening owing to his failure at the first armed robbery and there are concerns that he may become even more violent if he strikes again,” he said.
Det Sgt Gleeson said the offender showed what would appear to be a lack of previous experience in committing this kind of crime.
He did not wear a disguise and police are hoping to hear from witnesses who saw or recognise him.
“I would even appeal to the man who committed these crimes to give himself up as we are confident he will be identified by someone in the community before too long,” Det Sgt Gleeson said.
The man was described as being Caucasian, aged in his mid to late 30s, about 175cm tall and of stockily built.
He had fair, short hair that was receding and wore sunglasses, a blue-grey long-sleeve T-shirt and jeans.
Police urge witnesses or anyone with information about the incidents to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.