Two men charged over QVB evacuation

Two men have been charged over an attempted ATM break-in in Sydney's CBD which prompted police to evacuate shoppers and lock down streets surrounding the Queen Victoria Building.

Police cordoned off Market Street next to the historic shopping centre after a suspicious item was found on a footpath at about 9.30pm (AEDT) on Thursday.

But the police tape came down after less than two hours and passersby and vehicles were given the all-clear.

The item was declared safe and is believed to have been used in an unsuccessful attempt to break into a nearby ATM.

Police have charged a 47-year-old man with destroy or damage property in company, being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence and two counts of having custody of a knife/cutting implement in a public place.

They also charged a 27-year-old man with destroy or damage property in company.

Both were refused bail and will face Central Local Court on Friday.