Police are hunting a thief who threatened shop staff with a hammer during a robbery.
The man held up the RS McColl shop in West Doura Court, Kilwinning, at around 6.20pm on Saturday and made off with a three-figure sum of cash.
Two men working in the shop, aged 17 and 22, were not injured but "extremely distressed", police said.
The suspect is white, 5ft 10in with a stocky build and was wearing dark trousers and a black hooded McKenzie top.
Detective Sergeant Craig Semple said: "I'd like to speak to anyone who may have seen the suspect hanging around the area prior to the robbery taking place or anyone who saw him running out of the shop afterwards.
"Anyone with information should contact Saltcoats CID via 101 quoting incident number 4096 of 27 May.
"Alternatively calls can be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained."
Meanwhile, police in Edinburgh are investigating an armed robbery at a convenience store in Lindsay Road.
The incident happened around 6.15am on Sunday when a man wearing a motorbike helmet entered the store with a weapon.
He stole money and fled the scene on a black moped.
Two female staff members witnessed the attack. They were not injured but were left upset.
The suspect is white and wore a red and sliver helmet, a black North Face jacket with grey sleeves, grey trousers and white trainers. He was also carrying a black Adidas rucksack.
Police said extra patrols will be carried out in the area to reassure locals.
Detective Inspector Paul Grainger said: "This was a frightening attack which has left the two female members of staff badly upset.
"We are eager to trace the man responsible as soon as possible.
"I would ask anyone who was in the Lindsay Road area on the morning on Sunday May 28 to get in touch with us immediately."