Quakers Hills police responded to reports of a break and enter at a tobacco shop at the corner of Falmouth and Quakers Roads, Quakers Hill, about 2.45am today, Wednesday, January 30.
Police allege several men gained entry to the business via the roof and attempted to steal a large quantity of cigarettes.
Officers spotted a balaclava-clad man sitting in a car nearby; however, as officers approached the vehicle, the man drove off.
The stolen vehicle was found abandoned a short time later but there was no sign of the man.
Meanwhile, a perimeter was installed around the tobacco shop amid concerns the offenders could be hiding in the ceiling cavity.
A Polair helicopter was brought in this morning to check the building from above before officers on the ground conducted a sweep of the premises.
No one was found inside; however, the large quantity of cigarettes was recovered from the roof.
Specialist forensics officers continue to examine the crime scene.
Local detectives are examining likely links to a similar break in on the same tobacconist which occurred about 3.50am on Friday 18 January 2013.
Anyone who witnessed the Quakers Hill incident or has any other information that might assist investigating officers is urged to call Quakers Hill Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page:https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/.