Police say a small spike in the number of armed robberies in the ACT over recent weeks could be a result of people struggling financially.
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In the seventh incident of aggravated robbery in the capital in less than three weeks, a man threatened a Giralang 7-Eleven employee with a hammer and stole cash on Friday morning.
It was the city's fourth aggravated robbery this week.
Detective Sergeant Bill Freeman from the criminal investigations unit said despite "a little bit of a spike", the number of armed robberies over recent months had been "tracking as it would normally".
"It does appear some are linked and some are stand alone," he said.
"We do have crime that's cyclical depending on where people are living and how desperate they are and whether they're struggling financially."
Police said that in the latest incident, a man entered the Canopus Crescent store about 3.05am and threatened a staff member with the household tool and demanded cash.
The staff member complied and the offender fled on foot with the money.
The man is described as of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall with a medium build. He was wearing a black jacket, dark pants, a black beanie and sunglasses.
ACT Policing and AFP Forensic Services examined the scene and were seeking CCTV footage. Investigations are ongoing.
Sergeant Freeman said the level of violence and the weapons used by robbers depended on their desperation.
A man armed with a large knife robbed a Canberra convenience store and threatened a staff member, on Monday.
On Tuesday a man, also armed with a knife, robbed a small Braddon supermarket, before a man threatened a woman with a metal bar and stole her wallet in a Woden car park on Wednesday.
Police urge anyone who may have witnessed the Giralang incident or have any information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via act.crimestoppers.com.au with the reference number 5809527.
Information can be provided anonymously.
