THIEVES have targeted a chain of fast food outlets from Pakenham to Frankston in recent weeks.

Most recently, thieves attempted to break into a Beaconsfield outlet about 2.15am on Sunday.

Police say it was the third time the Old Princes Highway store had been targeted after it was burgled twice in the past three weeks.

Police would not name the food chain but said stores in Pakenham, Narre Warren, Cranbourne and Frankston had also been broken into in recent weeks.

Detective Senior Constable Rhys Holder from Pakenham Police said the burglaries generally occurred in the early hours of the morning and that thieves had escaped with cash and safes from some of the stores.

Anyone who has information about people loitering around fast food outlets or convenience stores is urged to contact Pakenham Police on 5945 2500.