Thieves have used sledgehammers to break into two luxury fashion stores in Melbourne’s CBD.

Police believe the group of criminals also used crowbars to smash their way into the Gucci and Prada stores on Collins Street about 2:15am.

• Victorian CWA supports same-sex marriage
• ‘Alco-gates’: The radical plan to stop drink-driving

A number of expensive handbags were stolen from both stores, police said.

The men fled, possibly in a small, dark-coloured hatchback, police said.

They were last seen travelling north on Exhibition Street.

Police are urging any witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers.