The Kawasaki Mule was reported stolen from an outbuilding in the Corfe Mullen area at around 1.30am on Wednesday 9 March.

Nearby fencing and barbed wire was damaged in order for the vehicle to be driven away.

PCSO Chris Mullens, of East Dorset police, said: “We are carrying out enquiries into this incident and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed suspicious activity on the night to please come forward.

“I am also issuing an image of the vehicle in the hope that someone has seen it locally. It may be hidden in a rural location, therefore, if you see similar machinery that seems out of place, please contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220039818. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.