In a statement, police said a male victim was driving along York Street in Ballarat East about 2.40am on August 4 when headlights flashed behind him.

The victim pulled over, with another vehicle then stopping parallel to him.

Demands were then made for the victim to hand over his vehicle, but the quick-thinking man drove off and then reported the incident to police.

It is believed five people were in the offending vehicle, which has been described as a silver SUV.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to help identify the offenders and the vehicle.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, police have also appealed for witnesses to a robbery in the Eastwood Street Shopping Complex on September 26.

The incident occurred on Little Channel Street, which runs outside the Woolworths, about 5.45pm.

According to the Divisional Response Unit, the victim was exiting the shop when he was approached by three males.

The males asked the victim what he had in his backpack and when he knelt down to show them, he was assaulted twice in the head.

The offenders took the items from the victim's backpack before running off towards Short and Seinfield streets.

Police have appealed for any witnesses, or anyone with dash cam or other video footage of the incident to make a report via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or by filing a report online at: https://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/report-a-crime/

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