Officers investigating the theft of three bottles of nitrous oxide from a hospital in Wimborne are warning members of the public not to use the gas.
The bottles were taken from a gas storage unit outside the Victoria Hospital on Victoria Road.
It is believed that the incident happened between 4pm on Friday 30 October 2015 and 8am on Monday 2 November 2015.
Detective Sergeant Al Marks, of Dorset Police, said: “I am appealing for witnesses and anyone who has any information about the person responsible or the whereabouts of these bottles to contact us on 101.
“I would urge members of the public not to use the bottles should they come across them as the gas can pose serious health risks.
“If nitrous oxide is not used under professional medical supervision, there is a risk of death as it can lead to a lack of oxygen.”
