A Christchurch liquor store was broken into with a sledge hammer early on Thursday morning.

A police spokesperson said a staff member from Liquorland Shirley at Homebase off Marshland Rd called police about 5am to report a burglary in progress.

The staff member watched the cameras as at least two burglars broke into the store.

Police arrived minutes after the call was made, but the burglars had already fled the scene.

The spokesperson said police are making inquiries to find the thieves.

A glass repair crew replaced the front automatic sliding door at the shop this morning.