Cappy’s corner store and PJs Supermarket and Newsagency have both been targeted by knife-wielding offenders in the past fortnight.

A rock-wielding youth also held up the Caltex Service Station on the corner of Fifteenth Street and Walnut Avenue last Friday.

The youth allegedly confronted a female employee with a cricket ball-sized rock, stole $200 and fled before being caught by police.

More recently, a man was assaulted with a bat while buying pies at a general store on Ontario Avenue.

Police say the victim was known to the offender and the assault was not linked to the business itself.

Sheree McKinnon, who recently became co-owner of Titto’s Store in Irymple, said the recent crime at nearby stores was disconcerting.

“It’s scary – you read about it in the newspaper – it makes you more aware and more careful,” she said.

Jason Zambelli said he would do all he could to protect his business at Gol Gol General Store.

“This is happening everywhere – all you can do is have your insurance in place and hope for the best,” Mr Zambelli said.

Davo’s General Store and Take-away owner, Peter Davidson, said his shop was well-prepared to combat crime.

“This sort of thing has been happening for at least 20 years,” he said.

“I’ve got a heap of security cameras around and usually have a male on duty.”

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Simon Middleton said the three armed-robberies within the Mildura area over the past fortnight were an “unusually high number”.

“In each of the cases, police have arrested a number of offenders in relation to the crimes, within 24 hours,” Sen-Sgt Middleton said.

“These are serious crimes which attract a penalty of up to 25 years imprisonment.”

Sen-Sgt Middleton said the incidents served as a timely security reminder for business owners and employees.

“We are not immune from these types of offences and business operators should be continually vigilant in relation to security measures – not only the security of their business but also that of their staff members,” he said.

“Police will always be available to offer advice on security and other protective measures and business owners should not hesitate to contact the Crime Prevention Officer at Mildura police station for advice.”

Know somebody involved in crime? Contact Mildura Police on 5018 5300 or give an anonymous tip off to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

This article appeared in Wednesday's Sunraysia Daily 1-2-2012.