Police are investigating a series of cigarette burglaries across Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs early this morning.
Two male offenders have forced their way into a supermarket on Princes Domain Drive in Hallam shortly after 1.30am.
The pair have been unable to access the cigarettes cabinets and have fled empty-handed.
Half an hour later the burglars have targeted a shop on Balmoral Avenue in Springvale.
They again left unsuccessfully after being unable to access the cigarettes.
Undaunted by their two previous fails, the pair tried for a third time and targeted a Clarinda supermarket at the corner of Bourke Road and Viney Street about 2.15am.
They have used a crowbar to force open the doors of a supermarket at the corner of Bourke Road and Viney Street.
They used a crowbar to force open the front doors, gained access to the cigarette drawers and started loading up their loot.
They were surprised when a smoke bomb burglary deterrent went off and, in their haste to flee, they dropped the majority of the cigarettes they were trying to steal.
Police are investigating whether the burglaries are linked.
In each burglary, it's believed a dark-coloured hatchback was used by two men perceived to be Caucasian in appearance.
Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
