A man entered the Railway Avenue business at about 4.00pm yesterday armed with a knife, however before he could make any demands, shop owner Wayne Hackett picked up a baseball bat and prepared to swing and the would-be bandit fled empty-handed.
It's the third time in 12 months the shop has been the target of armed thieves.
This time there were two customers in the shop and kids outside on the footpath heading home from school.
One of the customers gave chase, but the bandit jumped into a waiting silver coloured ute which sped off in a cloud of dust.
Mr Hacket told 2NUR-FM news, "It shakes you up a bit, definitely. You're sort of looking over your shoulder all the time. 4 o'clock in the afternoon you don't expect someone to come in with a damn knife after you".
Maitland Police say the man was wearing a navy blue hoodie, beige shorts and a white face covering.
Officers are examining CCTV footage of the incident and are appealing for anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
 |
| Shop Owner Wayne Hackett Photo Courtesy Newcastle Herald |
