A Sydenham business owner is counting the cost after offenders smashed open the premises early this morning, stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of vehicles, including a limited edition BMW motorbike.

Multiple offenders used a stolen van to rip open the glass entrance at Detail King Auto Concept on Byron Street before running inside and stealing a BMW motorbike, a dirt bike and a scooter.

Police confirmed to chrislynchmedia.com the premises had been broken into.

However, by 1pm no officers had attended the scene.

The owners said the burglary was both painful and frustrating.

Although the business is insured, they said the break in would likely lead to higher insurance premiums.

They also expect it will take several weeks for the damaged glass frontage to be replaced.

The Sydenham burglary was one of two major break ins reported in Christchurch overnight.

About 4am, offenders used a stolen vehicle in an attempt to force their way into South City Shopping Centre by ramming the rear entrance of Chemist Warehouse.

Builders were at the shopping centre this afternoon repairing the damage caused during the attempted break in.

Police are making enquiries into both incidents.