NT Police are searching for two males who allegedly threatened a Leanyer bottle shop employee with a pair of scissors before stealing alcohol and fleeing the scene.

The incident occurred nearly a week ago, on October 26, at the bottle shop on Leanyer Drive, but police only requested the public’s assistance to identify the suspects today.

A description of the suspects was not provided.

Police allege the two “unknown males” entered the licenced premises around 7:30pm on October 26, before stealing “a quantity of alcohol”.

“One of the males allegedly threatened a staff member with a pair of scissors before fleeing the scene,” police and government crime marketing manager Sita Bacher said in a statement.

It was unclear why the incident was not reported to the public by the media unit earlier.

In March, 20-year-old bottle shop employee Declan Laverty was stabbed to death at the Airport Tavern’s BWS bottle shop while working his shift.

His death sparked marches and calls on the Fyles Government to better protect the community.

The government had claimed it had strengthened bail laws to prevent offenders who commit crimes with weapons from receiving bail, however it was later revealed that would only apply to offences carried out with certain weapons, not makeshift weapons including rocks, bottles, spears and even stolen vehicles. It is understood however, that scissors should mean the presumption against bail if the two men in the Leanyer incident are caught.

Police are calling for anyone with information on the Leanyer incident from last week to contact them.

“Police are investigating the matter and are urging anyone with information to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number 10496109,” the statement said.

“Anonymous reports can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”