Six Canberra businesses have been ram-raided in less than two weeks, prompting a police investigation.
ACT Policing Detective Superintendent Scott Moller said grocers, chemists and service stations had been targeted by a group of people who had taken cash, cigarettes and prescription medication.
He said one group was believed to be behind the string of burglaries which started on April 11.
"We have recovered two vehicles that we believe have been used in relation to these incidents, but no one has been arrested at this stage," Superintendent Moller said.
The maroon Ford Territory and a silver Hyundai Elantra will be forensically examined.
While he couldn't say what the suspected motive was, he said these crimes were "predominantly" committed by people trying to get, or buy drugs.
He said the offenders had crashed into the front or side doors or businesses with stolen cars, causing a "considerable amount of damage", and always acting in the early hours of the morning to avoid staff and residents.
"It has a really serious implication in terms of damage to the property ... it stops them being able to trade for the next couple of days," Superintendent Moller said.
"In comparison to the damage they're causing to the vehicles ... the actual property they're taking is far less valuable, so it's just not that lucrative for them."
On April 11, the ANU grocery store in Acton was the first target followed by Terry White Chemist in Higgins the next day.
On April 18, the perpetrators attempted to break into a service station in Deakin and later raided one in Wanniassa.
The following day they targeted a convenience store in Springbank Rise and a cigarette store at Jamison Shops.
There was a string of 30 ram-raids across Canberra late last year. Police suspected those incidents were likely drug-addicts looking for cash or items which could be sold on quickly.
There was no indication those incidents were linked to the current spate of burglaries.
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Superintendent Moller said businesses should ensure they had security cameras, to do what they could to prevent attack.
"Really look at your security that you have around the premises and look at your CCTV footage, look at what security you've got at your front doors, and to try and prevent these incidents," he said.
Anyone with information about these incidents including any recent offers of cheap cigarettes or prescription medications are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
