THREE men have been caught on camera staking out shops at Toowoomba’s Grand Central Shopping Centre before stealing $3000 from a popular coffee store.

Police say the offenders, aged in their only 20s, mingled with Saturday afternoon shoppers as they cased the two-floor complex before finding a target at Michel’s Patisserie where they hit at 5pm.

The trio appear fully aware of being filmed, according to detectives, striking after the centre was emptied of shoppers and exiting up the second floor travelators.

Michel’s Patisserie owner Mary Murphy said yesterday they were "absolutely devastated" at the attack that could only be taken as "personal".

"It’s our entire day’s takings that go towards paying bills and repayments etc just like anyone else," Ms Murphy said.

"We’re absolutely devastated."

The Chronicle can exclusively reveal video footage of three individuals wanted for questioning by police in relation to the heist.

One of the men can clearly be seen wearing compression bandages on his lower right arm and lower left leg.

"This is a planned and well organised theft," Toowoomba Police Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) Senior Constable Paul Jones said.

"After conducting their own surveillance of the centre, they’ve targeted this store as their victim."

Snr Const Jones said police have released the footage after their own line of inquiries were exhausted.

He said the trio were seen together in the shopping complex during trading hours and at one stage were believed to have made a purchase from one of the stores in the centre.

"If any member of the public knows these three men they should call police," Snr Const Jones said.

Ms Murphy, who has owned Michel’s Patisserie for two years, said they had thoroughly enjoyed the business.

"We’ve been so happy. We have the greatest staff. This is just terrible."

Anyone who can assist with the identification of these three men who can assist police with their inquiries shoud call Toowoomba CIB on 4631 6344 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.