Officers investigating a series of vehicle thefts across Dorset are appealing for information and issuing crime prevention advice.
Dorset Police is investigating a series of more than 20 thefts since June 2022 that are believed to be linked. The most recent spate of incidents saw vehicles stolen in Poole, Drimpton in West Dorset and Sturminster Marshall in East Dorset on the night of Sunday 18 September into the early hours of Monday 19 September 2022.
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 reports 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.