Tauranga Police are investigating a burglary at Pāpāmoa Plaza overnight in which a stolen vehicle was used to force entry into the complex.

Police were alerted to the burglary just before 2am on Saturday July 23.

"The purple and black coloured Mazda Verisa stationwagon believed to have been used was later found abandoned on the on-ramp of SH2, near Domain Road," says a Police spokesperson.

"It will now undergo a forensic examination."

The interior of Pāpāmoa Plaza showing the damaged entrance. Photo: SunLive.

Pāpāmoa Plaza manager Leah Sutton says that the incident happened at 1.30am.

"There were two cars involved and they targeted two stores," says Leah. "They were on site for three minutes and have caused extensive damage to the Food Court entrance way."

Leah says that the cars drove through the Plaza.

"There was minimal theft for the amount of damage done.

"We are working with Police and the incident is under investigation," says Leah.

The damaged entranceway to Pāpāmoa Plaza. Photo: SunLive.

Police say enquiries are underway to establish what occurred, what was taken and who was involved.

Anyone with information that could assist with our enquiries is asked to call 105, quoting 220723/1924 or get in touch online through https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105.

Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or online through www.crimestoppers-nz.org.