Dorset Police are advising people to be wary if they advertise an article of sale online.

On Thursday 26 January, a man went to an address in Colehill to purchase a bike he had seen advertised for sale on Gumtree.

He asked to ride the bike in the driveway, but subsequently rode off from the victim’s address.

The offender left a phone with the victim as a deposit, however, he did not return to collect it.

The bike is described as a Cannondale Trail Neo S 3 electric mountain bike.

Police community support investigator Kate Hann, of East Dorset police, said: “An investigation is ongoing to try and identify the suspect and locate the stolen bike.

“As part of my enquiries, I am issuing an image of the bike in the hope that someone may have seen it for sale locally in unusual circumstances.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind the public to be cautious when selling high-value items online.

“Where possible, meet the buyer in person with a friend or relative before making the sale or transferring any money.

“Always obtain as much information as you can about the buyer, including registration number for any vehicles they may arrive in. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t give over your item before payment.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230015245. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.