AMMUNITION was stolen during a burglary at a home in East Dorset at the weekend.

The Remington .22 Hornet rifle bullets, which were inside a stolen safe, were taken from a house in Long Pine Drive, West Parley, along with a large quantity of jewellery and watches, some cash and bank cards.

The theft happened sometime between 7pm on Saturday 15 February and half past midnight on Sunday 16 February.

Dorset Police are now appealing for anyone with information on the crime to step forward.

Detective Constable Lee Emery, of the Priority Crime Team, said some of the items stolen are very distinctive, including a Tag Heuer watch with a gold and steel strap and a black face, a platinum Paiget watch with a silver face and an IWC watch with an alligator leather style strap and a black face.

“Most of the items stolen are of great sentimental and monetary value to the victim,” he said.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who may have been offered jewellery or watches in strange circumstances or for unusually low prices.

“It is believed that the thieves were not aware that the safe contained ammunition. Anyone with information about the safe or the ammunition is asked to speak to the police – all calls are treated with the strictest confidence.

“Residents of the area are encouraged to be vigilant and to report anything untoward. In particular they are asked to look out for any items that may have been discarded by the thieves.”

No arrests have been made.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 16:28. 

Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.