Police in Sturminster Newton are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a property in the Stour Valley area of the town.

The incident happened at around 1am today - Wednesday September 4 - at a house along the A357 between Newton and Bagber Bridge.

The offenders removed a wooden fence panel to gain entry and stole a large quantity of petrol powered gardening equipment and a red Honda quad bike from an outbuilding.

Police Constable Julie Hankin, of Sturminster Newton police, said: “This is a theft of some very expensive items that will not doubt cause the owners great financial loss and inconvenience.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have information about this burglary, or saw any suspicious behaviour prior to and after the incident took place to come forward.

“Those responsible have removed a wooden fence panel at the road side in order to gain access to the premises, and I am confident someone may have seen the offenders carrying out this act.

“We also believe there may have been a vehicle parked in a nearby farmyard that may have been used to transport the stolen items.”

No arrests have been made.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 04:99 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.