A MILK bar owner who protected himself with a wooden stick against an alleged knife-wielding robber says he never thought twice about defending his store.
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Theng Lim, the owner of the Klein Street convenience store in Ballarat East, used a heavy wooden stick to allegedly knock a knife out of the hands of the culprit, who then fled on foot on Saturday afternoon.
Police allege a 16-year-old, who cannot be identified due to legal reasons, threatened Mr Lim with a large kitchen knife and demanded cash about 1pm on Saturday.
However, Mr Lim refused to hand over any cash and instead went on the front foot and knocked the alleged offender to the ground.
The accused then fled empty-handed. A police manhunt failed to locate him.
However, a youth handed himself into police on Saturday night and was charged.
Mr Lim said his store had twice been broken into in the past, but both times were at night when it was closed.
On the first occasion in 2010, thieves took almost $10,000 in cigarettes.
He has since installed CCTV cameras, which were used by police as part of the weekend investigation.
The 16-year-old was charged with attempted armed robbery and bailed to appear at a Children’s Court next year.
