Acting Senior Sergeant Tania Baron said a guard conducting a security check of Otago Museum discovered a smashed glass door in the cafe area about 12.30am yesterday. It was believed the door was smashed about 10pm on Sunday, she said.
Security camera footage captured images of two males attempting to break into a donation box in the museum foyer, using what appeared to be an axe.
The box did not yield and they left empty handed, she said.
They were wearing dark clothing, gloves and dark hats.
One wore white shoes, the other wore boots, she said.
It is believed the same men broke into Countdown in Mornington about 4am yesterday, where they tried, without success, to open a cigarette carousel.
''Located there was part of an axe,'' she said.
From watching the security camera footage, it was apparent the duo had made quite a mess of their burglary attempt, she said.
''They weren't very successful, thankfully,'' she said.
Anyone recognising the description of the men should call the Dunedin Central Police Station.
