Tasmania Police is encouraging business owners to be extra vigilant with security after three small supermarkets at Norwood, Waverley and Longford were targeted, allegedly for cigarettes.

"Police are investigating three business burglaries this morning where small supermarkets stocking cigarettes have been targeted and a white ute has been involved," Detective Inspector Craig Fox said.

A Norwood supermarket was hit around 1am this morning when a white ute attended the supermarket and two men forced entry to the store and unsuccessfully attempted to gain entry to the cigarette locker.

About $2,500 damage was caused to the supermarket during the theft attempt.

IN OTHER NEWS

Shortly after, about 1.20am, a white ute attended a supermarket at Waverley and a man wearing a camouflage mask was seen acting suspiciously before leaving in the ute.

At 4.40am two men forced entry to a small supermarket at Longford, where $4000 worth of cigarettes were stolen and about $2500 worth of damage was done to the premises.

"Police would like to assure the community that these matters are taken seriously and Launceston CIB are following a specific line of inquiry," Detective Inspector Fox said.

"It's timely to remind business owners to be extra vigilant with security - thieves are often opportunistic and ensuring your premises are secured and you have cameras can be a strong deterrent."

"I encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious activity to report it to police when they see it to enable it to be investigated."

We're raising funds for four Tasmanian charities as part of our Empty Stocking Appeal. Can you help?