Detective Sergeant Brendan Butland, of the Colac police crime investigation unit, said that an offender forced open a rear door at Apollo Seafoods in Gellibrand Street between 10.30pm Saturday and Monday morning.

"Entry was gained to the premises by forcing open the rear door after the offender walked down an alley," he said.

"He then stole the cash register which contained some cash.

"The owner of the shop had recently renovated the business, including the purchase of the new cash Samsung register.

"We are still hoping to find the cash register.

"Limited damage was caused to the shop and we have potentially got CCTV footage which may be able to assist us.

"We're going through that footage now."

Detective Sergeant Butland said anyone who saw anything suspicious near the fish and chip shop was requested to contact the Colac police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

"The owner locked up Saturday night and when he returned Monday morning found his shop had been disturbed and the cash register removed," he said.

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