Police are investigating after multiple cars were set alight at a mechanic shop in Townsville early this morning.

Emergency services were called to a business on Hogan Street in Stuart at 3.40am.

Three cars have been gutted by fire and 10 others were damaged but the building was spared.

Business owner Scott Dymock says he is grateful neighbours acted quickly in calling the fire brigade.

"Someone in the area heard a large bang," Mr Dymock says.

He says the damage could have been a lot worse.

The fire is being treated as suspicious and a crime scene has been declared.

Anyone in the area between 3am and 4am or who has dashcam footage is urged to contact police.

It follows similar incidents the day before where two cars were allegedly stolen and later found ablaze across the city.

A Hyundai Tucson, reportedly stolen from a home in Wulguru at about 4.10am was found alight in North Ward just over an hour later.

In a separate incident, police say they tried to intercept a stolen Audi in North Ward before it allegedly rammed the police car and sped off.

Officers say the car was later found on fire at Bushland Beach.

Townsville District Officer, Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon, described the behaviour as "idiotic and dangerous".

“The people perpetrating these offences are placing themselves and the community in danger and we remain committed to locating them and holding them to account for this reckless behaviour," Chief Superintendent Hanlon says.

Investigations are ongoing.