Police are appealing for information following a spate of armed robberies in the Lake Macquarie area over the last month.

Between Monday 30 June and Tuesday 8 July 2014, a man armed with a large knife held up petrol stations and newsagencies in Belmont, Cardiff, Freemans Waterhole and Rathmines.

During the incidents the man threatened staff members with a knife, stealing cash and cigarettes before running from the scene. No one was injured during the robberies.

Police from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command were called to each business and established crime scenes which were examined by specialist forensic officers.

They also conducted searches of the area on each occasion; however, the man was unable to be located. Detectives are continuing investigations into the robberies and believe they are all linked.

They are looking for a man who has been described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 20s, about 180cm tall with a thin build and blond hair.

During the incidents the man has been described as wearing dark clothing, a balaclava and gloves.

The incidents include:

*The armed robbery of a service station on Fishing Point Road, Rathmines about 7:15pm, Monday 30 June 2014,

* The attempted armed robbery of a service station on Freemans Drive, Freemans Waterhole about 8:50pm, Sunday 6 July 2014,

* The armed robbery of a service station on the Pacific Highway, Belmont North about 2:35am, Monday 7 July 2014,

* The armed robbery of a newsagent on Fishing Point Road, Rathmines about 5:40am, Monday 7 July 2014,

* The attempted armed robbery of a service station on the Pacific Highway, Belmont about 1:20am, Tuesday 8 July 2014; and,

* The armed robbery of a service station on Main Road, Cardiff about 2am, Tuesday 8 July 2014