Retail and hospitality work in Canberra is becoming more dangerous with the number of violent robberies in the city skyrocketing.

ACT Policing revealed there were 247 aggravated robberies in the territory last financial year compared to 150 in 2015-16; a jump of almost 65 per cent.

The latest confrontation was just before closing time at the Isabella Plains IGA in Tuggeranong on Tuesday night.

Security footage showed two masked bandits armed with a machete slashing the manager's face before he fell to the ground and tried to escape.

The offenders also threatened two other employees with the weapon in a storeroom as they were preparing to close the shop.

"The males then fled on foot without any cash," Detective Sergeant Tony Crocker said.

Police returned to the scene on Wednesday morning, combing the carpark and nearby streets for clues.

"We do look at the links between armed robberies and we are working closely with the community to identify offenders," Detective Sergeant Crocker said.

The ACT's Chief Police Officer, Justine Saunders, said robbers did not target particular areas of Canberra more than others.

"We know when we're dealing with armed robberies we're dealing with people that are being violent carrying weapons," she said.

"And there is real risk to the community when these offences occur.

"It's not just about the money they're seeking but the violence on those victims that are present."

The ACT Criminal Code defines aggravated robbery as committing the offence with at least one other person and doing so with a weapon.

Offenders found guilty can be jailed for up to 25 years.