A man has been charged with eight armed robbery offences, allegedly committed in the Sydney metropolitan area during the past five weeks.

About 2pm yesterday (Sunday 29 March 2015), police arrested a 54-year-old man in George Street Sydney, near Martin Place, without incident. Police allegedly located a plastic replica pistol in his bag.

Police will allege on each occasion the man robbed each premises using a black semi-automatic pistol and occasionally wore a surgical mask.

He was taken to Day Street Police Station and charged with eight counts of robbery armed with a dangerous weapon that allegedly occurred between Friday 27 February 2015 and Sunday 29 March 2015.

The South Hurstville man was refused bail to appear before Central Local Court today (Monday 30 March 2015).

At 11.55pm, Sunday 29 March 2015, police executed a search warrant in Truman Street, South Hurstville and located shoes and clothing.