A Christchurch bike repair shop was among businesses targeted in an early morning crime spree.

Basic Bikes owner Ewen Robertson said he was woken during the early hours of Saturday morning after police arrived at his home following an alarm activation at his nearby store.

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Robertson said security systems recorded three offenders arriving at the business shortly before 1.40am in what appeared to be a stolen white Toyota Aqua.

“They had a look around, tried to force the door, then kicked out a glass panel and went straight for the till drawer,” Robertson said.

“They were in and out in less than 90 seconds.”

The offenders ignored stock inside the workshop and appeared focused solely on the cash drawer.

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“We don’t sell bikes anymore. We repair and service them. There’s plenty of value in the workshop, but you’d need to know what you were looking at.”

Robertson said the offenders made off with the till drawer and a small cash float that had been left inside overnight.

“It was the one time we hadn’t removed it. Normally we take it out and put it somewhere secure.”

Security footage captured the incident, but Robertson said the offenders had taken steps to conceal their identities.

“You can only see their eyes. They had hoods up, face coverings on and were wearing rubber gloves.”

The break in left the business facing around $1,500 worth of damage to the glass door, far exceeding the value of what was stolen.

“The damage they’ve caused is worth more than what they got away with.”

Robertson said nearby businesses were also targeted during the same crime spree.

He said offenders appeared to leave Basic Bikes and head directly to neighbouring businesses at the Cracroft shops, including fellow cycling business Velo Passion Project.

“From what I’ve heard, they also targeted the cafe and fish and chip shop.”

By daylight, glaziers were dealing with multiple damaged premises across the area.

“The glass company had several jobs before they got to us. It wasn’t until about 7.30 this morning that the glass was replaced.”

Despite the damage, Robertson remained philosophical.

“We’ve been here 18 years and the last break in was probably 10 or 11 years ago.

“You just deal with it and move on. Insurance will cover the glass and we’ll tidy everything up. But it shouldn’t happen.

A police spokesperson told chrislynchmedia.com they received a report of wilful damage at a premises on Colombo Street at around 2.15am.