Between approximately 1am and 1.20am on Wednesday 4 January, three shipping containers were broken into off Beacon Hill Lane in Corfe Mullen and three Stihl brushcutters, a Stihl leaf blower and a Stihl telescopic pole pruner were stolen.

Police community support investigator Matt Barton, of Dorset Police, said: “I am appealing for anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity in the area around the relevant time to please come forward.

“Also, I would like to hear from anyone who may be offered any of the items described for sale locally in unusual circumstances.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230001987. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.