By Peter Berton

ALBION, Australia – An inadequate bandit remains on the lam after his attempt to rob an adult store was foiled by a quick-thinking sales clerk.

According to published reports, when the suspect approached the sales counter brandishing a knife and demanding cash, the sales clerk responded by pelting him with sex toys.

A video captured by the store’s security camera shows the robber beating a hasty retreat, then apparently changing his mind and attempting to return to the counter – only to have another sex toy zing close to his head.

Apparently, that was enough rough sex play for the bandit. He turned tail and fled, leaving an excellent image of his face on the store’s security camera.

Police describe the failed outlaw as about 5’8” tall and in his mid-30s, with light brown hair. Presumably, he also bears a noticeable air of dejection and acute embarrassment.

Anyone with information about the robber’s whereabouts — possibly in some bar, nursing a justifiably bruised male ego — should call the local Crime Stoppers hotline: 011 61 1800 333 000.

[SIZE=1]Image: The face of infamy: A clear image of a man who was dissuaded from robbing an Albion, Australia, adult shop was captured on video moments before the clerk chased off the bandit by pelting him with sex toys.[/SIZE]