Shoppers in Melbourne’s west have told how they hid in other stores as thieves armed with sledgehammers and crow bars robbed a jewellery store on Thursday.
The three men smashed display cases and stolen a number of items from the jewellery store inside Brimbank Shopping Centre in Deer Park about 10.45am.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Terrified shoppers caught up in a jewellery heist at Deer Park.
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They drove off in a suspected stolen car, and were last seen heading south on Neale Rd.
They remain on the run as of Thursday evening.
No one was injured in the dramatic robbery, as shoppers took cover inside other stores.
A photo posted to Facebook shows shattered glass on the ground outside the jewellery store.
“I was there in Target. Target closed the roller doors and protected everyone best they could until we knew what happened,” one witness posted on social media.
The centre has been closed while police investigate.
“As the investigation is ongoing, we are unable to provide further details at this time,” Brimbank Shopping Centre said.
“The health and safety of our customers, tenants and staff is our priority.”
Police say the three men were of African appearance and were wearing white jumpsuits.
It is believed they arrived at the shopping centre in a stolen white VW Golf sedan, registration 1KF3EA.
Anyone with information or dashcam footage has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Watch: Bizarre moment man goes berserk in shopping centre carpark.
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