Hunter Valley police are now asking the public to help them catch a would-be robber.
They say a man entered a service station on Mulbring Street, Stanford Merthyr at about 4:15pm on Saturday, December 22 with his face concealed.
The man allegedly threatened a worker with a pipe wrench and demanded cash, but fled empty-handed.
Thankfully, no one was injured.
Cessnock detectives are now looking for a man described as being in his early 20s, about 165cm tall with a thin build who was last seen wearing a dark hooded jumper, dark long pants and black work boots.
He also reportedly fled the scene in a white Holden Commodore sedan with black coloured steel rims.
Anyone with more information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Cessnock Police on 4991 0199.