Darebin Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating an aggravated burglary which took place in Kingsbury overnight.

A silver Mazda 6 sedan, with unknown registration, drove up to the service station in Plenty Rd about 3.25am.

Three offenders got out and proceeded to smash the locked front doors of the service station using a hammer.

A fourth person remained in the driver’s seat of the car.

The staff member inside the store saw the men approaching and hid in a back room.

The offenders entered the store through the broken front door, climbed over the counter and removed numerous packets of cigarettes.

They placed the cigarettes in a white doona before returning to their car and leaving the scene.

Police have released images of three men they believe can assist with their enquiries.