Masters employees in Rouse Hill threatened in armed robbery

A MAN threatened employees with a knife at the Masters store in north-west Sydney during an armed robbery on Monday.

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A MAN threatened employees with a knife at the Masters store in Rouse Hill during an armed robbery on Monday morning.

It comes a day before the retail giant Woolworths moves to sell off or close its struggling home improvement arm.

Both the Masters hardware chain and Home Timber & Hardware have sustained heavy financial losses in recent times. As many as 7000 jobs are under a cloud Australia wide

At about 11.30am a man entered the store on Commercial Rd and removed a knife and two power tools before attempting to leave the premises without paying for the items.

Police have been told when a staff member attempted to stop the man; he produced a second knife from his pocket and threatened the employee, and several others who also attempted to stop him from leaving.

The armed man left the scene with the items in a Nissan Pulsar, with two other people in the vehicle.

Police would like to speak to a man who may be able to assist with them with their inquiries, described as being of caucasian appearance, about 20-25-years-old, of slim build, and with short sandy-coloured hair.

The man was seen wearing a light blue, black and white t-shirt, short black shorts, and grey running shoes.

Anyone with information, or any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police, are urged to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.