A yellow JCB CTS digger was stolen from Bournemouth Crematorium in Strouden Avenue at around 11.20pm on Thursday 27 October.

It was locked between other vehicles, which were subsequently damaged during the incident. The digger cab was located on the driveway at the scene.

It is suspected that the stolen digger was taken in the direction of East Way in a vehicle, either a van or flatbed truck.

Police constable Lee Mather, of Dorset Police, said: “This theft has caused an extreme inconvenience to the community and will have a significant impact for the crematorium.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, or has any relevant footage to help our enquiries, to please get in touch.

“Also, I would urge anyone who has seen a JCB digger matching the description given for sale locally in unusual circumstances to contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220175325. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.