SINGLETON Newsagency owner Ken Lawson has praised his courageous employee who thwarted an attempted armed robbery at the John Street business on Thursday morning.
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About 4am on December 5, the 32-year-old staff member was inside the premises when two men entered through the rear door with a tomahawk and iron bar.
They demanded cash and access to the safe before the worker became involved in a struggle with the pair and forced them out the door.
While Hunter Valley Police District officers established a crime scene, he was taken to Singleton Hospital for treatment to minor cuts and grazes to his arms and forehead.
Now, more than 24 hours later, Mr Lawson reflected on the incident.
"It's a sad day when a bloke's just doing his job," he said.
"You're not expecting it [trouble] at that hour of the morning.
"Our paper deliveries usually arrive at that time.
"It certainly was a brave act, as he (Jason) had no access to the safe.
"We've told the staff 'don't put your safety at risk'.
"But, mind you, I'd have probably done the same thing.
"I think in the heat of the moment, he's thought 'bugger this'.
"They were shouting at him to open the safe, so he stood up for his own rights.
"Jason's a bit shaken - he received a tetanus shot [at hospital] and later returned for x-rays."
Mr Lawson admitted he was buoyed by the public support and concern for his employee, as well as the actions of the local officers.
"They sometimes get a rough deal, however the police responded quite quickly," he said.
"They were here within five minutes.
"Our customers and many residents have inquired about Jason's welfare and asking 'what's the town coming to?'
"But, he's doing okay.
"Jason did a great job - he's a very good employee."
Police are appealing for anyone who may have noticed any suspicious behaviour in the area at that time or who may have CCTV or dashcam vision to contact Singleton Police on 6578 7499 or to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.