Police have released a CCTV image which shows the distinctive tattoo on a man who they believed has been involved in a spate of armed robberies in the City of Casey recently.By Bridget Cook
POLICE are seeking witnesses to an armed robbery in Cranbourne North on Thursday night, which is believed to be the latest in a string of armed robberies in Casey.
The latest occurred on a licensed premise on the South Gippsland Highway about 9.55pm on Thursday.
Detectives have been told that two balaclava-clad men entered the business and confronted two employees working behind the counter.
Police said the offenders, armed with an axe and knife, demanded the victims empty the contents of a safe and till into a Woolworths brand green carry-bag.
The victims complied with the demands but before leaving one of the raiders punched one of the victims in the face, police said.
This incident forms part of an ongoing investigation undertaken by the Dandenong Embona Taskforce into a series of four armed robberies believed to be committed by the same offenders over a two-week period.
The first armed robbery was on a Lyndhurst service station on 17 November around 10.30pm where armed bandits stole a quantity of cash.
Another incident occurred on 24 November about 10.50pm, where it’s believed the same men raided another service station on Hallam Road, Hampton Park.
The third incident, again on a service station, was at Hallam Road, Narre Warren North, around 10.40pm on Monday 28 November, where cash and cigarettes were stolen.
Police described one offender as Caucasian, aged in his early to mid 20s, 180cm tall with a medium build and pronounced Australian accent.
The second offender is described as Caucasian, aged in his early to mid 20s, 170cm tall with a thin build and distinctive tattoo on his right calf.
Both offenders wore dark clothing at the time of the incident.
Police said they were concerned by the escalating level of violence displayed and have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
