Public appeal after Preston armed robbery

Mill Park Serious Crime Taskforce detectives are hoping to identify a man following an armed robbery at a car dealership in Preston last month.

The incident occurred on High Street when a male cleaner, who arrived to start work, was confronted by a burglar at around 6.45am on 23 April.

The intruder threatened the victim with a pair of garden shears and demanded that he hand over his phone.

The victim initially refused to hand over his phone until the man produced a knife and threatened to stab him.

The victim complied with the man's demands, handing over his phone.

The man then felt though the victim's pockets, taking his car keys.

The man ran from the service area into the front car park where he used several sets of keys on various vehicles until he started a white Nissan X-trail, driving the utility through two closed roller doors, before exiting the yard onto Oliver Street.

Investigators believe the man also stole car keys, customer contracts and sets of registration plates including BLR 913, 1TQ 1CW, 1TQ 1CV, 1QT 1BS and 1TQ 1OT.

The vehicle was located burnt out in Campbellfield the next day.

Plates 1TQ 1CV, BLR 913, 1QT 1BS and 1TQ 1OT remain outstanding.

Investigators have today released CCTV images alongside a computer-generated image of a man who they believe can assist with their enquiries.

The man is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, about 30-years-old and approximately 183cm tall.

He was wearing black hood over his head, black jeans, white runners and a blue surgical mask at the time.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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