Portland police Sergeant Martin Flannery said the break-in happened at the Henty Street headquarters, church and hall and the charity's offices were ransacked.

He said people living in the emergency accommodation had been put on alert after thieves stole a set of keys.

"They've broken in through a window at the rear of the premises and then accessed the emergency accommodation office," he said.

"The keys to the Salvation Army properties have been taken. Anyone living in those properties will be notified.

"We will be asking people to review their security habits, keep an eye out and let us know if they see anything or hear any bumps in the night."

Police in Portland are also investigating a break-in at an arcade in Percy Street.

A locked gate was forced open and the inside of the arcade was damaged but no shops were entered.

Sergeant Flannery said firefighting equipment was tampered with and a skylight damaged.