A SCREWDRIVER and a large knife were used to threaten staff and steal money at Australind Chicken Treat on Friday night, leaving employees shocked and shaken.
Police are still searching for a man and a woman who covered their faces to commit the crime.
About 7.05pm on Friday, February 13, the pair entered the fast food chicken outlet located on Old Coast Road in Australind.
Police say the woman was armed with a large knife and the man with a screwdriver.
The offenders allegedly threatened staff with the weapons and stole cash before fleeing through a rear door.
South West Detectives have released CCTV images of the people they believe are responsible for the hold-up.
They are described as being between 18 and 20 years of age.
The woman had red hair and the man had dark hair and both were wearing dark clothing with their faces covered.
Australind residents used community Facebook pages to express their concern about the crime rate in the suburb.
While the armed hold-up was an isolated incident, Australind Police have urged the community to help them curb a recent spike in home break-ins across the last week.
Acting officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Ian Jansen said there had been six new reports since last Wednesday, including Sandpiper Way, Fitzgerald Way, Hooper Place, Gaudin Place, Carlingford Court and Absolon Crescent.
Senior Sergeant Jansen said all of the break-ins occurred through unlocked doors or windows and could have been prevented.
“Police have increased patrols of these areas but we are asking for your help to resolve these crimes,” he said.
“Please secure your premises by locking garage doors, windows and all external doors, even when you are home, as some of these offences have occurred when residents have been in.
He also asked residents to be observant of their neighbourhood and surrounds and report any suspicious behaviour to police.
“Many of these crimes are opportunistic, let’s take away those opportunities and help keep your community safe and crime free.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
