Police are investigating a series of service station armed robberies in Melbourne’s south-east on Wednesday, 4 December.
It is understood five offenders attended a service station on High Street, Glen Iris about 10.30pm.
Three of the offenders exited a stolen black Volkswagen T-Roc, armed with a machete, hammer, and an axe.
They made demands for cigarettes and jumped over the service counter.
Two employees retreated into a staff room before the offenders fled the scene.
It is believed the same offenders attended a service station on Whitehorse and Middleborough roads, Blackburn about 10.45pm.
Officers were told a customer was threatened before the staff locked the service station doors.
The offenders fled the scene empty handed.
About five minutes later, the same offenders attended a service station on Springfield and Middleborough roads, Blackburn North.
Three offenders entered the store, with one offender entering the service area armed with a machete.
They fled the scene with cigarettes and cash.
The Volkswagen attended another service station on Canterbury Road, Ringwood about 10.55pm.
Three offenders entered the store, jumping over the counter to steal cigarettes and cash.
They fled the scene on Canterbury Road and then travelled south on Eastlink.
The same offenders attended a service station on Poath and North roads, Hughesdale about 11.40pm.
Two offenders jumped over the service counter and took trays of cigarettes before fleeing in the stolen Volkswagen.
Shortly later the offenders attended a supermarket on Hawthorn Road, Caulfield South.
The offenders attempted to force entry to the store by throwing objects at the door.
A staff member disturbed the group, and they fled empty handed.
No one was physically injured during the incidents.
The Volkswagen was stolen from a property in Doncaster on 2 December.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information, CCTV/dash cam footage or who witnessed the incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
