Restaurant and cafe owners Mark Rathmell and Mark Hankinson spent most of Tuesday night removing equipment from their second business, the Basin Cafe, as record floodwater poured into the gorge.

The businessmen were then awoken by Tasmania Police who informed them that two people had broken into their restaurants, damaging property and stealing cash, a laptop and alcohol.

Mr Rathmell called the crime “the lowest of lows”, as dozens of businesses around the region struggle to come to grips with the damage.

The men ripped wiring from walls of the business, unsuccessfully attempting to disable a heavy-duty alarm system.

Mr Hankinson said the “scumbags” made a “silly mess”.

“They must have thought they were breaking into the Louvre to steal a van Gogh painting,” he said.

The business’ damage bill is expected to be more than $1500, while the items stolen total more than $2500.

CCTV cameras captured footage of the men entering the premises through a window at 1.01am.

Police are investigating.

Brisbane Street businesses Country Road, Cotton On and Sussan also closed unnecessarily on Wednesday after two men posing as emergency service workers told staff members to evacuate.

Police have assured businesses can operate as usual.