STAFF at Michael's IGA are being praised for their actions on Wednesday night (December 11) after a male produced a meat cleaver and threatened staff in an armed robbery.

It's understood the 46-year-old male from Leongatha entered the store around 8.50pm and headed straight for the liquor department. 

Grabbing alcohol the male demanded staff pay for the alcohol and provide cash, producing the cleaver when the request was denied. 

Fortunately, the staff working were experienced, remained calm throughout the ordeal, and handled the situation quite well, according to IGA Manager Chris O’Leary.

“He was basically requesting for the police to be called. He wanted to be locked up because he had nowhere to sleep for the night. He was claiming he was homeless, and he was under the influence of something as well,” said Mr O’Leary.

Staff calmly asked the man to leave without handing over any cash. The man complied and left the store with a couple of bottles of beer.

Staff reported the matter directly to police, who have since identified the male offender.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the armed robbery, with those in the store or nearby asked to contact Leading Senior Constable Mathers at Leongatha Police Station 5662 2285 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au/report-a-crime/