Around 5am, Lake Illawarra police responded to a reports of a break and enter at the Coles Express store on New Lake Entrance Road, Oak Flats. 

Lake Illawarra police Inspector Paul Allman said police believed the shop’s ATM had been the thieves’ intended target.

A spokesperson for the State Crime Command confirmed the incident had been referred to the command’s Property Crime Squad.

‘‘While the investigation is still in its infancy, detectives believe a number of offenders broke into the service station early in the morning, before stealing an amount of cash and then fleeing the location,’’ a statement to the Mercury read.

‘‘The service station sustained a significant amount of damage as a result of the incident, and detectives have closely examined the scene for evidence.’’

‘‘For investigative reasons, no further information can be provided at this time.’’

It is believed no person was injured in the break and enter.

The New Lake Entrance Road station was cordoned off for much of Monday morning, with detectives and police scouring the property for clues.  

Anyone with information that may assist police inquiries is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via nsw.crimestoppers.com.au