Central Hunter crime manager Detective Inspector John Zdrilic said the man’s face was fully covered with black ink when he robbed the taxi on April 15.

The man entered the taxi about 11.30pm at Aberglasslyn Road, Rutherford.

When the driver asked what was on his face, the man told him he had been to a party where friends had drawn on him.

But the man pulled out a knife and threatened the driver when the taxi stopped to let him out at Regiment Road, about 300 metres from the New England Highway.

The bandit escaped into nearby bushland with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The driver was not injured.

Inspector Zdrilic said the thief’s disguise was unusual.

“The only time I have ever see something like this before is on posts on the internet,” he said.

“We treat armed robberies very seriously. 

“Someone out there would know if they had seen someone who had painted their face with texta.”

Police have just acquired images of the man allegedly involved from CCTV footage.

The thief is described as 20 to 25 years old, 165cm tall, chubby build and Caucasian appearance with an Australian accent.

He was wearing a white, hooded jumper and with a white cap underneath the hood, white shorts and he was carrying a gym bag.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.