The front entrance of the St Ives Hotel on the Lincoln Causeway was smashed with a car in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Security footage from cameras at the business shows three men getting out of the silver Subaru Forester and looking at the front entrance.

Detective Senior Constable Justin Foots said they then got back into the vehicle and used the car to force the doors.

“Three offenders have entered the hotel, have accessed a cash register and have also moved a cigarette machine,” he said.

“It appears they were disturbed by the alarm at the hotel.

“They’ve entered their vehicle and decamped towards Albury.”

The car was later found alight near Glenelg Drive in Springdale Heights.

It was extensively damaged. 

The vehicle had been stolen from the carport of a home on Riverview Terrace in Wodonga on Thursday night or Friday morning.

Despite the damage caused to the business and the car, police believe the trio left with only a few bottles of alcohol.

“It’s concerning when we have businesses that are targeted in this manner,” Detective Senior Constable Foots said.

“Obviously it’s very costly for the business owners and it’s something we’d like to put a stop to.”

Possible links to incidents at the Albury golf course and a business near the Hume Weir will be investigated, but it is unclear if the matters are connected. 

A window was smashed at the golf club pro shop, with the offenders taking only a packet of chips.

Detective Senior Constable Foots hopes members of the public have information. 

“That vehicle, since it was stolen, we believe has been involved in a number of cross-border offences,” he said. 

“We’re just appealing for anyone with information in relation to these offences to contact Wodonga detectives.

“The parties involved, police are making further enquiries in relation to suspects they have in relation to that.” 

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on (02) 6049 2600 or 1800 333 000.