A large quantity of fuel was stolen from an address in Verwood Road on two separate occasions.

The incidents took place on Tuesday 29 November and Saturday 7 January, both times between 12 midnight and 2am.

It is reported that the offenders parked outside and climbed over the fence, before pumping the fuel into a tanker containing a number of intermediate bulk containers.

The total cost of fuel stolen is approximately £30,000.

Police community support investigator Kayleigh Hole, of North Dorset police, said: “This has had a significant financial impact and efforts are underway to establish those responsible.

“I would ask anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, or captured anything of relevance on dashcam or CCTV footage, to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230001464. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.