Several Christchurch businesses have been left cleaning up broken glass after a series of early morning break-ins across the city.

Christchurch Police Metro Area Response Manager Inspector Paul Reeves said officers received a call about 5.50am from someone watching live CCTV footage of their store at Bush Inn on Waimairi Road being burgled.

“Police responded immediately, however the alleged offenders had already fled the scene,” he said.

“While at the scene, officers discovered multiple stores in the same complex had also been targeted. Keyholders for those stores, whose contact details police had on record, were notified. Police are investigating and following lines of enquiry to locate the alleged offenders.”

A short time earlier, about 4.20am, police were called after another business owner in Hillmorton reported a break-in at their store on Coppell Place, which they were also watching live on CCTV.

Police again responded immediately but the offenders had already fled. Several nearby stores on the same street were also found to have been broken into. Officers have spoken with the owners and enquiries remain ongoing.

At 5.30am, police were alerted to multiple smashed shopfronts on Milton Street in Somerfield. The owners have been contacted and investigations continue.

The night before, in Linwood, a burglar smashed his way into another store.