THREE men attached a trailer containing two JCB diggers to an already-stolen van and fled the scene.

At around 11.45pm on Wednesday, December 22, an Ifor Williams trailer – containing two JCB 8008 diggers – was stolen from outside an address in the Alderney area.

A tipper van, which is believed to have been reported as stolen before the incident occurred, pulled up outside the property and three men got out and attached the trailer to the vehicle.

It is believed the van may have been seen travelling in the Barrack Road area of Christchurch shortly after the incident.

Police Constable Jamie Ralphs, of Poole police, said: “As part of my enquiries, I have obtained CCTV images of the van that was used to take the trailer and diggers.

“I am appealing to anyone who has seen the van pictured, or a trailer and diggers matching the descriptions given, in unusual circumstances to please come forward.

“I would urge anyone with information about this incident to please contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210204977.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.