Police say the thieves first attempt to rob a takeaway store on Medowie Road on Monday night was thwarted when a female staff member took a wooden table leg they used as a weapon and struck the offender over his back with it.

The two entered the Call in Kitchen between 7.15pm and 7.20pm with the smaller offender brandishing the wooden leg and demanding money while the other attempted to take the cash.

The shorter man then grabbed the cash register attempting to take it from the counter when the staff member managed to grab the piece of wood. Both offenders fled empty handed and drove away in a light-coloured sedan.

About 10 minutes later two men with similar descriptions entered Squashies Take Away on Ferodale Road, threatening two female staff members with hammers.

The pair fled with a sum of cash.

A burnt-out vehicle believed to be used in the robberies was located in bushland off Richardson Road, Medowie.

It is the second time Squashies Take Away has been the target of an armed robbery in less than three months.

The first time occurred in early April when a man armed with a gun stole a small amount of cash.

No arrest has been made, while police are appealing for information in relation to the recent armed hold-ups.

Port Stephens detectives can be contacted on 49830 599.