The Gull Gonville service station in Whanganui has been smashed into overnight in an attempted ram raid.

Senior Sergeant Shayne Wainhouse said the incident at 1.30am on Monday, April 9, involved a vehicle stolen from a Springvale address.

"The vehicle was used to drive through the front window of the premises," Wainhouse said.

"They have attempted to remove a cigarette cabinet and a small quantity of cash was taken from the till."

The front doors of the service station, on the corner of Heads Rd and Carlton Ave, were smashed and Carlton Ave was strewn with glass.

Wainhouse said police guarded the scene overnight and forensic officers carried out an examination on Monday. Police are reviewing CCTV footage from the premises.

The vehicle used in the raid was stolen earlier in the evening from Surrey Rd and was later recovered in Rapanui Rd. It was a silver Mazda Familia, registration CMY543.

"We are interested in hearing from anyone who saw that vehicle from the time it was taken or who may have seen it being dumped in Rapanui Rd," Wainhouse said.

Anyone with information can contact Whanganui Police on 349 0600 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Whanganui has suffered at least 13 aggravated robberies in the last year.