Police probe 'tattooed tradie’s' attempt to lock women in storeroom

Images have been released of a tattooed man believed responsible for dramatic robbery in Melbourne last month.

The offender, dressed in a tradesmen’s uniform, walked to the door of a closed clothing store at South Wharf shopping centre on the morning of December 4, police said.

He waited at the security door, before one of two female staffers spotted him and he forced his way into the shop.

The man then demanded one of the women take him to the safe, where he stole an undisclosed amount of cash and tried to lock both staffers in the storeroom.

Neither of the employees, aged 21 and 18-year-old, was injured during the ordeal, police said.

Today police have released fresh images of the robber, who has distinctive tattoos on his hands.

Detectives also believed a man and women who were in the vicinity of the store at the time of the robbery may be able to assist with investigations.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000