A raider threatened shop staff with a ten-inch knife in a petrol station shop near York.
It happened at the BATA outlet on the A166 at Gate Helmsley.
The masked man demanded money from the till and e-cigarette vapes.
However, staff point-blank refused to give him anything and he left empty-handed.
It happened at 6.46pm on Sunday, 7 January.
He is believed to have approached and left on foot, along the A166 in the direction of Gate Helmsley.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Police responded and launched a full investigation, which remains ongoing and has included extensive enquiries.
BATA store, Gate Helmsley
“CCTV, door-to-door enquiries, witness statements and other lines of enquiry including with other forces have been pursued following the incident.
“We are urging the public to get in touch if they have any further information that could help identify the suspect.”
The raider is believed to be no older than 20. He was dressed all in black, wearing a black balaclava and had a black rucksack with a white lining inside.
Officers want to hear from anyone driving past the petrol station between 6.40pm and 6.50pm who may have information that could help the investigation.
If you can help police, you can contact them on the numbers below.
How to help the police
- Call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for PC476
- Email Alfie Thomlinson here
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the website
- Quote reference number 12240004018
