CCTV has captured the moment a front-end loader ripped an ATM off a wall during a brazen overnight robbery at a shopping centre in Townsville in North Queensland.

Key points: The ATM was stolen from the Stockland North Shore shopping centre in Burdell about 3:00am

The ATM was stolen from the Stockland North Shore shopping centre in Burdell about 3:00am The front-end loader and ATM were later located in the grounds of a nearby primary school

The front-end loader and ATM were later located in the grounds of a nearby primary school Police do not believe any money was removed from the ATM

Police said the incident happened at Stockland North Shore in Burdell just after 3:00am on Monday.

Footage shows the front-end loader ploughing into security bollards and scooping up the ATM.

Shopping centre manager Malcolm Miller said the theft triggered an alarm at the site.

"A large vehicle went through our impact bollards, knocked them over, lifted the ATM up, backed out and drove away," Mr Miller said.

"It all happened within about one minute — it didn't look opportunistic — I think this was planned."

The ATM and front-end loader were discovered abandoned on the grounds of a nearby primary school.

The theft triggered an alarm at the shopping centre. ( ABC News: Sofie Wainwright )

Police are still searching for the person behind the wheel and have appealed for witnesses and CCTV from surrounding streets.

Mr Miller said the incident was "frustrating" and "disappointing".

"We just need to make sure it's [the shopping centre's] safe [and] tidied up," he said.

"I would say to customers that we're one ATM down, but it's business as normal — no-one was hurt."

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto said he met with maintenance staff to discuss the damage.

"The guy has operated that machine with precision," he said.

"He knew exactly how to operate that machine, he knew exactly what his target was and he's come in and executed it quite skilfully.

"It's quite shocking to watch though, that someone would be as brazen to do that in broad view of all the cameras."

Police do not believe any money was removed from the ATM.

If anyone has information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444.