Police are investigating the theft of an automatic-teller machine during an aggravated break and enter at Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley yesterday morning.
About 3am on Thursday two men in a four-wheel drive removed the back doors of a restaurant in Broke Road.
Then they stole an automatic-teller machine (ATM) which held a large sum of cash at the time.
Specialist forensic officers have examined the scene and detectives are investigating further.
They are looking for two men only described as wearing dark clothing.
The vehicle is described as being a small light-coloured four-wheel drive.
Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the vicinity of the Hunter Valley Gardens or has information about the theft is asked to contact Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.