Staff at a family-run milk bar in Rowville, located in Melbourne’s south-east, experienced a harrowing encounter after masked assailants burst into the store last night. The alarming incident, captured on CCTV, transpired just after 6.30pm, involving four masked individuals who confronted a female employee at the counter, demanding she open the cash register. They made off with over $200 following this distressing demand.
In a brave response, the owner’s mother noticed the unfolding situation and quickly locked the front door, which inadvertently trapped the thieves inside the premises. Witnesses praised her courage, noting the risks she faced as the group attempted to regain entry after being locked in. “She was very brave to stand there… and she could be dead,” recounted one observer.
After the attempts to break down the door and escape failed, the armed robbers turned their attention to demanding a key from the staff member before escaping through a side exit. Fortunately, no one sustained physical harm during the attack, but the traumatic event left staff shaken.
Authorities are now investigating whether this robbery is connected to a recent incident at another milk bar in Endeavour Hills that occurred just days prior. The police are urging anyone with information about the offenders to step forward as they continue their search for the suspects, who remain at large.