Adelaide thief blows up shopping centre ATM

A thief has blown up an ATM at an Adelaide shopping centre in the middle of the night after smashing his way through glass to enter the mall.

Police and fire crews were called to Newtown Shopping Centre at about 3.15am after a man on a scooter blew up the Bendigo Bank ATM.

The suspect, who was wearing a helmet which covered his face, may have obtained cash from the machine before fleeing towards Gorge Road.

Detective Chief Inspector Tina Buckley said while nobody was injured, the incident was "very concerning".

The explosion caused extensive damage and delayed the opening of nearby shops, causing frustration among business owners who were keen to open their doors during the busiest shopping week of the year.

A scooter believed to be stolen and used in the robbery was seized by police after being found at Paradise this morning.

The suspect was also wearing a black jacket and a grey t-shirt at the time of the robbery.

Police are investigating whether the incident is connected to other ATM robberies this year at the Adelaide Zoo and Tea Tree Plaza.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.