The burglars dropped through the ceiling undetected, bypassing locked doors, security shutters and alarm systems during the night-time raid, which was discovered early yesterday morning.

They are believed to have been targeting cash contained in safes and cash boxes.

Little stock or other property was taken from any of the shops by the thieves.

Senior police were unaware of the incident when contacted by The Herald yesterday.

The only police officer senior enough to release information on behalf of the Lake Macquarie local area command yesterday said he had not been given any information about the incident.

Detectives had not been asked to investigate, and learned about the raid from The Herald.

It is unclear how the burglars managed to break into the roof cavity, or whether they secreted themselves in the roof for some time.

"It looks like it was well planned," one shopkeeper said.

Once inside the roof, it appears the burglars have kicked their way into several shops.

At Big W, the largest shop hit, the thieves kicked a hole through the top of a wall and dislodged several ceiling panels.

Staff at Big W would not comment about the burglary yesterday.

Other shops targeted were Godfrey's, Millers Fashion Club, Noni B and the Chem Mart Pharmacy.

At Noni B, two roof panels were kicked in by the burglars, who left a large shoe-print on each of the panels.

The raids failed to stop any of the shops opening for business yesterday.

Other shopkeepers at the centre were unaware the burglaries had occurred.