Thieves used a forklift stolen from a landscaping business to break into a shopping centre west of Brisbane, police say.

Officers say the offenders used the forklift to gain entry to a Redbank Plains shopping centre shortly before 2am today.

The group caused damage to a number of business and tried to steal an ATM before leaving the scene empty handed.

Police say they want to hear from anyone who saw or heard four males acting suspiciously in the area.