Amateur thieves made away with thousands of dollars worth of watches and jewellery from two jewellery stores at Westfield Kotara yesterday.
Just after 2am, two unknown men forced entry to the shopping centre using hammers and smashed the front windows of Melville Jewellers and Wallace Bishop Jewellers.
The offenders fled the scene on bicycles.
Police from Newcastle City Local Area Command attended and established a crime scene.
They say it doesn't appear to be the work of professionals.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
