In the last three months, more than 20 high-end vehicles have been stolen across Dorset and the police believe the thefts are linked.

Most recently, vehicles were stolen in Poole, Sturminster Marshall in East Dorset and Drimpton in West Dorset on the night of Sunday 18 September into the early hours of Monday 19 September.

Detective Inspector Dave Horn, of Dorset County CID, said: “These offences are occurring right across the county and vehicles that appear to be targeted are higher value sports utility vehicles or four-wheel drive vehicles.

“We are carrying out a number of enquiries into these thefts and I would urge anyone with information that might assist our investigation to please come forward.

“I would urge motorists to take a moment to consider the security in place for your vehicle. Where possible, keep your vehicle parked in a garage or well-lit space and ensure the keys are kept somewhere safe and away from doorways or letter boxes.

“Owners of higher value vehicles may also wish to consider further security measures such as keeping their keys in signal-blocking pouches as well as wheel clamps and tracking devices.

“I would also urge anyone who witnesses any suspicious activity in and around high value cars, or anybody paying particular interest in parked vehicles, to please report it to us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220134740. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.