The plant machinery and power tools were stored in a shipping container at a rural location in Cranborne. They were reported stolen at 8.35am on 8 November.

Following detailed enquiries, officers located two vans, which were also believed to have been stolen and on false plates.

Inside the vans officers located a number of items of plant machinery including two ride-on mowers and a utility vehicle, with a total value of more than £80,000.

Enquiries are on going to locate the remainder of the stolen property and identify those involved in the theft.

Sergeant Natalie Skinner, of Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team, said: “Thanks to a swift response by officers and the support of the Wimborne Neighbourhood Team, we have been able to recover these valuable items for the victim.

“We are determined to take robust action against those who target rural premises in this way, and we will be carrying out a detailed investigation to identify those involved in this crime.

“We would urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious vehicle movements in the area on the morning of Tuesday 8 November 2022, or who has any information that might assist our enquiries, to please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220181523. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.