Two men are on the run after robbing a Sydney hotel with a screwdriver disguised as a gun and fleeing with a safe.
The robbers threatened staff at Novotel Sydney Darling Square in the city's CBD about 5.40am on Monday, before detaining them in a back office and barking orders at the two terrified workers.
The thieves quickly picked up a portable safe and escaped in a beige Volvo that had been stolen from Petersham on January 23.
"We remind people that this was a violent incident early in the morning and we would encourage people not to approach the vehicle," NSW Police Chief Inspector Gary Coffey told reporters.
"This was particularly terrifying for the staff involved.
"Fortunately, we don't see this type of armed robbery occurring very often in the city at all."
No money or jewels
Neither of the two staff members was injured, but they had believed the men were armed with a firearm and were shaken.
The burglars are likely to be disappointed by their haul as the safe had no money or jewels – only documents and other material associated with the hotel, Coffey said.
No guests were involved in the confrontation.
CCTV footage shows both alleged robbers had covered their faces, with one man wearing a grey jumper and tracksuit pants, and the other in a dark-coloured jumper. They are seen parking the stolen car and walking towards the hotel.
It is unclear whether the pair were also behind the vehicle theft.
"To the people involved – or if you know anyone involved – we very much encourage them to hand themselves in," Coffey said.
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