Employees at a Cambridge gas bar are shaken up about an overnight robbery, but believe they have a strong lead for investigators to follow.

Around 2 a.m., a robbery was reported at the Canadian Tire gas bar at the bottom of Shantz Hill on Fountain Street.

A man entered the store, indicated that he had a weapon and accepted money from a clerk.

Before leaving on foot, he thanked the clerk for handing over the money.

But employees behind the counter say they know the man better as a regular customer, who is unfailingly friendly and polite even when not robbing the store.

A few hours later, around 6:45 a.m., a robbery was reported at the nearby Little Short Stop store on Preston Parkway.

The suspect entered the store, claimed to have a weapon and demanded money and merchandise. No weapon was seen and the suspect left with a small amount of cash.

After leaving the convenience store, the suspect allegedly jumped in a nearby taxi and attempted to rob the driver.

“The driver declined and refused to co-operate with the suspect. The suspect then got out of the vehicle, not obtaining any cash,” said police spokesperson Olaf Heinzel.

Police believe the same person is behind both robberies, and brought in a canine unit in an unsuccessful attempt to track him down.

The suspect is described as a man in his late 20s to late 30s, about 5’8” with a slim build, short brown hair and a thin moustache.

He was wearing a black T-shirt with “Friday the 13th” written on the front while at the gas bar, but changed into a knitted grey sweater before entering the Little Short Stop.

Anyone with information regarding either robbery is asked to contact police at 519-650-8500 ext. 2299 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.