The Spar Express store at the Waniora Shopping Centre was broken into but it was the quick thinking of neighbours in the area that meant the offenders left empty-handed.

Manager of the store Paul Jordan said the thieves actually left minus what they arrived with.

"A sledgehammer, hammer and screw driver was left behind," he said.

"They smashed through the window and went straight into the office looking for money.

"The filing cabinet was smashed, but it was unlocked anyway.

"And then they left pretty quick like they might have been interrupted."

Mr Jordan praised his neighbours in the area who called police after hearing the commotion.

The store manager also hailed the efforts of Port Macquarie police.

"I got the call pretty quick and was on my way in and the police were already there," he said.

"They got there within like three minutes."

Police confiscated the tools for forensic testing and have also taken security footage.

Mr Jordan said it was the first incident since he and his wife Ula took over the business two years ago.

"We've found it's a really nice, friendly community. This seems like a bit of a one-off and it's great that our neighbours are looking out for us," he said.

Port Macquarie police said the four offenders were described as slim build and wearing shorts and hooded jumpers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Port Macquarie Police on 6583 0199.