THIEVES caused thousands of dollars' damage to a service station after they allegedly ramraided the side of the building with a stolen cane loader yesterday morning.

Two 20-year-old men were on the run for less than 12 hours, as Bundaberg police pursued them in connection to the ramraid at the Moore Park Service Station about 3am.

“The machinery was stolen from down the road and used to ram the service station,” Sergeant Mike McLellan said.

Sgt McLellan said two cartons of Diet Coke had been abandoned at the scene, possibly after alarms scared them off.

“They have caused thousands and thousands of dollars of damage for $30 of product,” the officer said.

“Fortunately, we have great CCTV footage.”

Owners Sue and Warren Ramsey were devastated when they saw the damage.

“They didn't take anything of real value except our sense of security,” Mrs Ramsey said. “It just feels horrible that they've been in here – this is our second home.”

Mrs Ramsey said the shop was unable to trade yesterday while they waited for their insurance company to assess the damage and allow an operator to remove the machine from the wall.

“We're hoping we can open for trade (today) but we will just have to wait and see,” she said.

“It's very upsetting.”Sgt McLellan said members of the community had been very helpful in the investigation.

The dog squad attended the scene but they were unable to track the alleged offenders, who were later arrested by police.

The two men will face Bundaberg Magistrates Court today.