A gang of brazen raiders armed with a sledgehammer smashed their way into a shop in Ashbourne overnight before making off with the till.
Gardai in the Co Meath town are hunting for three man who they say made off with the money in a small car.
They said in a statement: "Gardaí in Ashbourne are investigating a burglary which occurred during the early hours.
"At about 3.15am, three men broke into a shop on Killegland Street, using a sledgehammer to break the glass in the front door.
"The culprits took a cash register from the premises and left the scene in what is described as a small car."
Anybody who was in the area at the time and saw any unusual or suspicious activity is asked to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on 01-8010600 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800-666111.
