Police are appealing for public assistance after a robbery at a tobacco store in Sunbury earlier today (18 September), Victoria Police say.
It is believed three men entered the store on Evans Street, wearing balaclavas over their faces about 7.20am.
The main offender jumped over the service counter and grabbed the female store attendant by the hair, forcing her to open two registers, demanding cash.
Two other men went into a rear storeroom and loaded a large amount of cigarettes into a blanket.
They also forced their way into a rear office area and stole cash located inside, as well as the victim’s handbag.
The three men ran from the store and got into a black Holden Cruze sedan, bearing registration AAI-002.
As they attempted to leave the scene, the offenders collided with another vehicle and sustained substantial damage to the front passenger-side door.
The vehicle has since been sighted on the Tullamarine Freeway, in the vicinity of the airport and was last seen travelling north along Pascoe Vale Road towards Craigieburn.
The victim, a 51-year-old Sunbury woman was not injured during the incident.
Hume Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating and are keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage in the area.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
