POLICE are appealing for information after an "unknown number" of partridges were stolen from a farm.

Thieves broke into partridge pens on a farm in Trent near Sherborne on Tuesday, stealing the birds as well as an electric fence unit and battery.

Officers urge farm owners and residents to be vigilant and check their security arrangements.

They advise that audible alarms should be fitted to sheds and outbuildings.

Anyone with information can call Dorset Police on 101 quoting crime number 30:0199.