According to Launceston Sergeant Matthew Stewart, a stolen truck was used to smash through glass and into the foyer of Target shopping complex.

He said the offenders wrapped a chain around an ATM, attached it to a second stolen vehicle, and dragged it away.

''A very short time later our guys located it (the ATM) and also the motor vehicle as well,'' Sergeant Stewart said.

''And I mean a very short time, not enough for them to get the cash out or anything like that.''

He said the offenders had not yet been caught, but the Northern Criminal Investigation Branch was investigating.