Auckland Police are investigating a smash and grab at a South Auckland petrol station

Police were called to the Manukau Caltex just after 5 am today - four people allegedly broke the front door and raided the shop.

The group left in a stolen vehicle, which was later found empty near Papatoetoe.

Images from the scene show glass across the floor - with the shop covered in police tape.

Forensic staff earlier appeared to be collecting fingerprints from cigarette counters.