Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad have released CCTV from a St Albans attempted armed robbery last November as part of their investigation into a series of armed offences.
Investigators have been told two men forced their way into a gaming venue on Clubhouse Place about 11.15pm on 12 November, 2018.
The pair, who were armed with a machete and a metal pole, smashed a window to access the club.
Security staff were able to alert the staff inside, who then locked themselves in a secure office.
One of the men became involved in an altercation with a male patron inside the venue after threatening him with the knife and demanding his phone.
The patron then punched the offender in the face.
No cash was taken from the venue and the men fled empty handed.
The patron involved in the altercation suffered minor cuts to the head.
The first man involved is described as being of a solid build, medium height, of Maori or Islander appearance with a New Zealand accent.
The second man is described as having a slim build, of medium height and with an Australian accent.
Detectives have looked at a number of other armed robberies in the area as part of this investigation and at this stage believe it may be linked to at least three other incidents.
The first incident occurred about 8.50am on 11 November, 2018 at a gaming venue on Gillespie Road, Kings Park.
Two men armed with firearms entered the premises just before opening time and grabbed a quantity of cash before fleeing.
The second incident occurred at a post office in Deer Park on 7 June, 2018.
A man entered the Neale Road premises about 1.20pm armed with a firearm and demanded cash. He was given money and then left the store.
The third incident was an armed robbery at the same gaming venue on Clubhouse Place, about 11.30pm on 13 June, 2015.
During that incident a man entered the premises armed with a firearm and threatened staff before being given a quantity of cash.
No one was physically injured during these three incidents.
Investigators are releasing CCTV footage from the November 2018 St Albans incident today along with a digital composite image of a man they are hoping to identify.
An image of a car caught on CCTV, a silver Holden Commodore VE sedan, has also been released with a partial registration number of YN. This car is believed to have been used during the incidents.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said any incident where offenders were armed with firearms is cause for concern.
“It’s probably only luck up to this point that someone hasn’t been seriously injured,” he said.
“Someone in the community is likely to know who these people are and we are urging them to come forward.
“We’re hopeful that people will see this footage and the images today and be able to provide us with the information we need.”
Anyone who has information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
