POLICE are investigating a spate of crimes in rural East Dorset.

Some 28 offences were reported in the area's towns and villages between October 15 and 31.

Officers dealt with a common assault in Cranborne, a home burglary in Witchampton and a theft from a vehicle in Sturminster Marshall on October 15.

The following day, a trailer was stolen from Cranborne.

On October 17, an outbuilding in Witchampton was broken into, and a window in Sturminster Marshall was damaged.

Officers were called to reports that a dog had bitten a person in Sixpenny Handley on October 18. On the same day, someone was assaulted in Sturminster Marshall.

Criminal damage was reported in Wimborne St Giles on October 21, while a vehicle was raided in Cashmoor the next day.

On October 25, two thefts were reported in Edmondsham and Shapwick.

Cars were vandalised in Shapwick and Holt on October 27, while outbuilding break-ins were reported in Mannington, Holt, Gaunts Common, Sixpenny Handley, Edmondsham, Witchampton and Chalbury over the next few days.

Police were called to reports of poaching in Wimborne St Giles on October 28, and a home in the area was burgled on October 29.

On October 30, a quad bike was stolen from Woodlands, a second vehicle was stolen from Woodyates and a house in Sixpenny Handley was burgled.

A spokesperson from Dorset Police said: "Three people are helping police with their enquiries.

"The quad bike and items from at least one of the outbuilding breaks have been recovered, along with a stolen Land Rover and trailer from Christchurch.

"The investigation is at a very early stage and numerous items have been recovered by the police that are still to be identified."