Armed robberies hit businesses across NSW overnight Armed robbers hit businesses in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong over a four-hour period last night. THREE separate armed robberies within hours of each other have left workers shaken in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong overnight. The first incident occurred in Toronto just outside of Newcastle when a man armed with a knife held up a shop on The Boulevard about 8.50pm. The man threatened a 64-year-old woman working behind the counter demanding cash. When she handed it over he pushed her over and ran from the store. The woman received a small laceration to the back of her hand and was treated by paramedics at the scene. The man is described as being approximately 165cm tall, in his late teens and of a slim build. Ten minutes later a screwdriver wielding man with his face hidden by a scarf robbed a service station on Crown Street in West Wollongong about 9pm. A 38-year-old male employee was forced to hand over cash before the bandit escaped on foot. The man is described as being of medium build, approximately 170cm tall. He was wearing a black hooded jumper, black pants, white joggers and a black cap. A few hours passed when a licensed premises in Sydney was hit on Sackville Street in Lalor Park about 12.45am. Three people with their faces concealed, one armed with a gun and one with an axe, threatened staff and customers. The gang stole cash before fleeing in a white van. Crime scenes were established at all three locations with detectives urging anybody with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.