Police are investigating four armed robberies in Cheltenham, Brighton, Mount Waverley and Camberwell this afternoon.
It is understood three males entered a supermarket on Bernard Street, Cheltenham about 3.50pm.
Officers were told the group assaulted one staff member before fleeing with cash and cigarettes in a white Mercedes.
The 19-year-old male staff member sustained minor injuries.
Shortly later, three males armed with knives entered a supermarket on Cochrane Street, Brighton.
Officers were told the males made demands for cash and cigarettes before assaulting three employees.
All three employees were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
The trio fled the scene in the white Mercedes, believed to be driven by a fourth offender.
Police were called to a third supermarket on Andrew Street in Mount Waverley just after 6pm.
Investigators believe three males produced a knife and fled the scene with cigarettes in the white Mercedes.
It is understood the group attended another supermarket on Through Road in Camberwell just before 6.30pm.
The offenders again produced a knife and fled the scene with cash and cigarettes in the Mercedes.
No one was physically injured during those incidents.
The offenders are yet to be located at this stage and the investigation into the incidents remain ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the incidents, with dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
