Would-be burglars escaped empty-handed after a bungled raid at a Co-op store in Salford Quays in the early hours.
Police were called to Trafford Road in Salford, near Clippers Quay, at 5.20am on Thursday morning.
Photographs taken at the scene show a smashed window and a heavy-duty chain attached to a cash machine inside.
Police are hunting four men who escaped the scene in a Land Rover.
Greater Manchester Police said nothing was stolen.
The men are believed to have been armed with a mallet and a chain, the force said.
Investigations are continuing, a spokesman confirmed.
No arrests have been made.
Officers are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
The chain and what appears to be a heavy-duty rope were left at the scene.
In a statement, GMP said: "Officers were called at 5.20am this morning, Thursday, to a report of a burglary at a business premises on Trafford Road, Salford.
"Police attended and enquiries have since established that four males - believed to have been armed with a mallet and chain - had attempted to gain entry to the store by smashing a window.
"At this time it is not believed any items were stolen.
"The four males fled the scene in a dark red/maroon Land Rover.
"No arrests have been made."
No further details have been revealed.
The Manchester Evening News has contacted the Co-op for comment.
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 3777 quoting incident number 346 of 14/01/21.
Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
