By Brendan Rees
A manhunt is underway for a knife-wielding trio who held up two McDonald’s stores in Hampton Park and Cranbourne on Thursday 14 March.
Investigators have been told three bandits, described as African in appearance attended the fast food outlet on South Gippsland Highway about 5.15am.
Two people got out of a stolen blue Mazda 626 coupe and a third person remained in the vehicle, police say.
Once inside the store, the offenders produced a knife and demanded cash from the staff.
The offenders fled to the waiting vehicle with an amount of cash.
It is believed the same offenders then entered a Thompsons Road McDonald’s about 5.30am.
One of the offenders remained in the vehicle while two entered the store and again produced a knife and made demands for cash.
The offenders fled with an amount of cash to the same blue Mazda.
McDonald’s spokesman Chris Grant said no staff members were injured at either store. “Staff managed exceptionally well and we are supporting police with their enquiries.”
The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
