A shop worker was left traumatised after a man jumped over the counter and demanded money from the till as she was closing up for the night.
The man knocked over the Covid screen at One Shop in Bowbridge Road, Newark, in the process and pushed the victim aside before opening the till himself to see it had already been emptied on November 5.
Nottinghamshire Police said he then demanded that the woman, 61, give him a bag to fill with goods, but she refused, so he started to fill a black bin with cigarettes and tobacco instead before leaving.
Detectives are now appealing for any information and witnesses to help with their inquiries.
Detective Sergeant Ricky Ellis is leading the investigation. He said: "The female shop worker has been left very shaken and traumatised following the incident.
"It must have been an incredibly frightening experience. She was closing the shop at around 10pm when she was approached by a man who was shouting and swearing at her.
"We'd like to praise her brave actions. No cash was taken, but a quantity of cigarettes were stolen.
"We are also appealing for anyone who notices any local residents selling cheap or suspicious English cigarettes or tobacco.
“We are also keen to speak to those who may have dash-cam footage if you were driving in the area at that time. We do not tolerate this sort of behaviour and we are determined to bring this man to justice.
"We are now appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious at the One Shop in Bowbridge Road in Newark to help us with our enquiries. If you can help please call 101, quoting incident number 866 of 5 November 2020."
