Detectives at Keilor Downs Embona Taskforce are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery at a pharmacy in St Albans this month.
Police have been told a man armed with a knife entered the pharmacy on Main Road East about 2pm on 5 October.
It is believed the robber approached the front counter and made demands for cash.
The man told the staff member, a 20-year-old woman, that he needed the money to care for his sick daughter.
He then fled the scene with a small amount of cash.
The offender was described as being around 170cm tall and was wearing dark clothing, a balaclava and gloves at the time of the incident.

Detectives are investigating an armed robbery at a pharmacy in Mulgrave on Tuesday.
It’s believed a man entered the Police Road store from the car park just after 4pm, displaying to staff a knife he had tucked into his pants.
He made demands for money then fled the store with a quantity of cash and was last seen running west on Portland Street.
The man described as Caucasian, 185-190cm tall, thin build, light coloured pants, dark coloured hooded top.
He had a black bandana/handkerchief covering his face, light coloured baseball cap and black shoes with a white trim.

Detectives at Mill Park Crime Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery at a pharmacy in Lalor this afternoon.
Police have been told two men armed with a knife and pole entered the pharmacy on Mc Kimmies Road near Darebin Road about 3.30pm.
It is believed the pair threatened the attendant before both offenders allegedly stole the cash till.
The bandits then fled the scene with a small amount of cash and were last seen running south along Darebin Drive and Cleveland Drive.
The offenders both had their faces covered and were both wearing a dark hooded top with dark pants.