Ram raiders used a stolen Toyota Surf to break into a Christchurch tool hire company and steal three strimmers and a post hole borer, say police. 

Officers in Christchurch say the grey Toyota four-by-four was stolen sometime between 6pm on October 11 and 2.30am on October 12 2015, from the junction of Hunt Road and Mallory Close.

The vehicle is then believed to have been used to ram the front door of Brandon Tool Hire in Somerford Road at around 2.50am.

A second vehicle, described as a white van, may also have been used.

Offenders made off with three STIHL strimmers and a manual post hole borer.

The Toyota Surf was found abandoned at around 3.20am in the car park of the Oak Inn on Martins Hill Lane in Burton.

Police Constable Alex Smith, of Christchurch police, said: “I am appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time both offences were committed to please call me in confidence.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen a grey Toyota Surf being abandoned in the Burton area in the early hours of Monday 12 October.

“Finally, I would urge anyone who may have been offered items similar to those stolen in the burglary for sale in suspicious circumstances to please call 101.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 13:18. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.