Police are investigating a series of break-ins across Newark town centre.
Four separate businesses were found to have had their windows smashed overnight on the morning of Thursday 25 July.
A variety of items are believed to have been taken from the stores, including a charity box and jewellery.
Empty tills taken from two of the shops were also found to have been discarded on nearby streets by intruders.
The stolen items are believed to have been taken from businesses based in Appleton Gate, Carter Gate and Middle Gate.
A fourth store in Carter Gate also had its windows damaged, although nothing was stolen from within.
The break-ins and criminal damage were discovered around 5.15am today but took place hours earlier.
Each of the incidents happened some time between 2am and 2.30am, with police believing them all to be linked.
PC Marcus Bloomfield, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are in the process of analysing available CCTV footage to establish exactly what happened and who could have been responsible.
“Each of these local businesses were vandalised, while several of them were broken into and had property taken from within them too.
“We know that at least two of the stores had their tills stolen, while a charity box was even taken from one of the stores, which is absolutely disgraceful.
“At this stage, we’re working on the basis that each of these incidents could be linked, so as a result will involve the same people.
“Despite this happening in the middle of the night, it took place in a busy part of the town centre, so there is a chance one of these incidents may have been witnessed by someone.
“If this was you and you saw what happened, or you have any information that could assist our investigation, we’d ask that you get in touch.
“Likewise, we want to hear from anyone who has any CCTV, dash-cam or other footage that could be of use to us.”
Information can be left with the police by calling 101, quoting incident 73 of 25 July 2024, or can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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