An axe-wielding robber and two accomplices made off with a cash box after targeting a security guard who was delivery money to a shop.
The balaclava-clad trio approached the guard while he was taking cash to a Poundland store in Tyldesley, Greater Manchester, shortly after 3pm on Friday, Greater Manchester Police said.
The man fled after they demanded he hand over the money, but he stumbled as he ran from the shop and the men pounced, grabbing the cash box.
The three men, who were wearing dark clothes, made off in a grey-coloured BMW, driving through Tyldesley towards the village of Little Hulton.
Detective Constable Lynsey Watson said: "While the victim was not injured he has been left shaken by the incident.
"There would've been quite a lot of people around at the time so I would ask if anyone was in the area and saw the three men or the BMW making off at speed that they get in contact with us."
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.