THIEVES stole equipment from engineers trying to resolve a power cut in Poole.

A yellow hydraulic breaker digger attachment was stolen from a Scottish and Southern Energy vehicle sometime between 8pm and 8.45pm on Saturday, March 3.

The theft occurred while SSE workers were trying to locate a fault that had caused a power cut in the area of the Poole Road junction with Palmerston Road in Upton.

It is believed that a number of passers-by travelling along Poole Road tried to alert the workers by sounding their vehicle horns.

Police Constable Simon Shaw, of Dorset Police, said: “These workers were carrying out vital emergency works during the severe weather disruptions last weekend.

“The theft of this equipment could put vulnerable people’s lives at risk, having to be without power for longer because the workers have to use the manual breakers instead.

“I believe that a number of passers-by saw the theft occurring and tried to alert the workers. I would ask these people to please contact Dorset Police as they may have valuable information that could assist my investigation.

“Finally, I would urge anyone who knows where this stolen equipment might be to call us.”

For further crime prevention advice visit www.dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crime-prevention/.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180032860.