Police have urged anyone with information about the theft of a free standing automatic teller machine from a shopping centre in the Hunter valley overnight to come forward.

Shortly before 3am yesterday three or four offenders have forced their way through the front doors of a shopping centre in Taylor Avenue, Thornton.

The group have then driven into the centre in a red 4WD and proceeded to a freestanding ATM.

A short time later a white van also reversed into the shopping centre and stopped near the ATM.

The offenders then placed the machine in the rear of the van and the group fled in the two vehicles. They were last seen driving towards Government Road.

Police from the Central Hunter Local Area Command were contacted and attended a short time later establishing a crime scene.

A search of the area was unsuccessful and neither vehicle has been located at this time.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that may be able to assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.