Offenders have ram-raided Hornby Mall in Christchurch overnight driving into the entrance of the mall and smashing their way out through the other entrance.
A police spokeswoman told Chris Lynch Media police received a report of a burglary at a commercial premises on Main South Road, Hornby about 4.30am.
Two offenders used a stolen vehicle to gain access to the Hornby Hub.
The offenders then stole an unknown number of goods before fleeing the scene. Enquiries are ongoing to locate the offenders the police spokeswoman said.
Chris Lynch Media has been told staff were onsite at the time and immediately contacted the police.
“Significant damage has been sustained by the northern and southern sets of doors.
At this stage, it appears three stores were targeted and those affected tenants have been contacted” a senior manager said.
“At this stage we envisage a delayed opening to allow for clean-up and making safe affected areas which cannot start until the police have concluded their forensic work.”
Less than an hour later, police were called to another shop on Lincoln Rd, in Addington, which was burgled.