Officers are investigating the theft of plant machinery in a rural area near Wimborne. Images of the digger have been released as part of their appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

The yellow JCB micro digger was stolen from a rural address to the south of the town on the evening of Thursday 10 February. It has a black plastic plate covering damage, a new seat with grey sealings covering the runner and a roll over bar with three JCB bolts missing.

PC Sebastian Haggett, of Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team, said: “I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information about this incident to please come forward.

“It may be this item is being hidden rurally. Therefore, should anyone see such machinery that seems out of place, I would urge them to contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220023721. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.