Cigarettes, cash stolen from Mobil petrol station in Manurewa, South Auckland

The alleged offenders. Photo / supplied by NZ Police

Three men allegedly broke into a South Auckland petrol station and fled with cigarettes and cash in a stolen car early this morning.

The incident happened at Mobil on Hill Rd in Manurewa about 1.30am. The 24/7 petrol station's doors were locked but people could still purchase items through a small pay window.

Mobil Hill Rd owner Bal Singh said one of the men threw a brick through the window and came in while the others waited outside.

The sole staff member working pressed a panic alarm immediately, which alerted Singh and police. He also activated the store's fog machine and went to a nearby room.

The men left with cigarettes and cash and fled in a Mitsubishi car which police say was stolen earlier in the evening from Clover Park in Flatbush.

Two of the alleged offenders. Photo / supplied by NZ Police

A nearby resident told the Herald they woke up to loud alarm noises and police sirens.

The resident went past the petrol station and saw it was taped off with a police guard present.

Police believed someone would recognise the clothing. They reminded people receiving stolen goods was a crime.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Counties Manukau Major Crime Team hotline on 0508 422 443.

Alternatively, information may be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.