At 4:30pm Wednesday 21 August 2013, a man wearing a balaclava and brandishing a knife demanded money from a staff member at the Lenah Valley Newsagency & Post Office on Augusta Road, Lenah Valley, near Hobart.  The man stole cash from cash register and ran off.

“The staff member acted with courage and stood between the offender and a female staff member.  A struggle occurred but the staff member was not injured,” said Acting Inspector Craig Joel.

Drug Squad detectives and Traffic Police were patrolling in the area and located a vehicle of interest near Video City in New Town.  Subsequently a co-ordinated search was conducted in the area and four people were arrested by police.  A sum of cash was also seized.

A 28 year old man has been charged with armed robbery of the Newsagency and will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court later today.  Another man and two women are assisting police with their inquiries.

Police would like to speak to anyone who saw a maroon coloured Holden Commodore sedan parked near the newsagency in Greenway Avenue at the time of the robbery.

 “Anyone with any information in relation to this matter should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” said Acting Inspector Joel.