Queensland Police are actively investigating two separate armed robberies that occurred on the evening of February 22 in the Gold Coast area, both involving a hammer-wielding male assailant. The consecutive incidents have raised concerns about a possible connection between the two crimes.

The first incident took place at approximately 5:45 PM at a convenience store located on Mildura Drive, Helensvale. The perpetrator, described only as male, threatened a 30-year-old male employee with a hammer and successfully fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. Fortunately, the employee was not physically harmed during the ordeal.

Shortly after, at around 6:35 PM, a similar scenario unfolded at a cake shop on Cottonwood Place, Oxenford. Another male, possibly the same individual from the first robbery, demanded money from a 39-year-old male attendant under the threat of a hammer. Again, the suspect managed to escape with cash, and no injuries were reported.

The Queensland Police Service is urging anyone who might have witnessed suspicious activities in these areas or possesses relevant dash-camera footage to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigations. The police are also exploring the linkage of these incidents and are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the apprehension of the suspect(s). Individuals with information can contact Policelink by using the online suspicious activity form available 24 hours a day or by calling 131 444. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers.

As the community reels from these unsettling events, local authorities are intensifying their efforts to ensure public safety and apprehend the culprit(s) responsible for these crimes. Reference numbers for these cases are QP2600354532 and QP2600354773.