Police are searching for a man who brandished an “edged weapon” at staff during a failed cafeteria heist Monday night, near CDU.

Police said around 8:00pm, the alleged offender – described by authorities as Caucasian, 170cm tall (5’5’’ ft), wearing a green baseball cap, yellow shirt with green and white stripes, maroon shorts and running shoes – entered the closed cafeteria and attempted to steal from the register.

They did not name the establishment for some reason.

But the business owners of The Lunch Room Catering confirmed on their social media page they were the victims of the break-in.

“Even in these tough times, we get affected by… Unfortunately, we were victims of a break-in yesterday evening, but chin-up, we carry on!” the post reads.

Police did not mention if there was a forced entry into the cafeteria. But photos posted by the business showed broken window glasses.

Police said the man was confronted by two cafeteria staff members as he attempted to steal from the register.

The offender then took out an “edged weapon” to threatened one of the staff.

Police did not specify what type of edged weapon was used by the offender. It is also unknown if staff were hurt during the assault.

Police also did not clarify if the man was able to take any amount of cash from the register or if there was anything stolen from the cafeteria.

NT Police said they would like to speak to a food delivery driver who attended the cafeteria “at the time of the incident”.

NT Police are asking anyone who was in the vicinity of Ellengowan Drive on Monday night and who may have witnessed the incident, to contact police on 131 444 or anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 quoting reference 9723479.