Detective Sergeant Steve Brown, of the Portland police crime investigation unit, said offenders disabled a rear sensor light before forcing their way through the rear door, in the process breaking the lock.

"The offenders have stolen a small amount of cash stolen and moved a safe but the safe was undamaged," he said.

"The break-in happened between 12.43am and 12.58am this morning and crime scene officers from Warrnambool are coming over to examine the newsagency."

Detective Sergeant Brown said a woman also had her wallet and cash from a waiting room at the Portland hospital between 5.30-6.30pm yesterday.

"She accidentally left her wallet in the waiting room while she went for treatment. When she returned the wallet was gone," he said.

Anyone with any information in relation to either incident in requested to contact the Portland police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.