Seven shops along Christchurch’s New Regent Street were broken into overnight in a brazen crime spree.

Jasmin Bristowe, who owns two shops on the street, said the break-ins happened just before 4am, with at least four youths involved.

“They were looking for cash and valuables. They took nothing else, just smashed the doors in and left,” she said.

A police spokesperson told chrislynchmedia.com officers were investigating the burglary of seven businesses, as well as another on Racecourse Road.

A stolen Toyota Mark X was seen turning onto New Regent Street around 4am.

Four offenders, dressed in hoodies, masks, and gloves, smashed the windows of multiple businesses before fleeing in the vehicle with stolen items, police said.

The same vehicle is believed to have been involved in a burglary at a bar on Racecourse Road about 20 minutes later.

Police were working with the victims to determine what was taken and are appealing for information.

“We would like to hear from anyone who has information, including dashcam footage that shows a black Toyota saloon in the vicinity of New Regent Street or Racecourse Road at the time of the offending,” the spokesperson said.

Anyone with information is urged to report it online or call 105, quoting reference number 250219/8747. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.