POLICE are warning drivers to do what they can to deter thieves after a spate of vehicle crime in Dorchester.

Officers said a number of offences had been reported in the town and the surrounding area since the start of September.

In one incident, on the night of Friday, October 4, items were stolen from a vehicle parked outside the Kings Arms, in High East Street.

A CCTV image of a person police would like to trace in connection with the incident has been issued.

Then, during the early hours of Thursday, October 10, officers responded to reports of two men trying door handles of vehicles in the Poundbury area.

Two men were arrested at the scene on suspicion of vehicle interference and they have been released on police bail as enquiries continue.

PC Glen Caddy, of the Dorchester Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are continuing to investigate all of these matters and we are appealing for members of the public who have information to please come forward.

“In particular, we are issuing an image of a man we would like to speak to in connection with one incident in High East Street and would urge anyone with information regarding his identity to please contact us.

“I appreciate it is not the clearest image, but it may be someone is able to recognise him from his general build and clothing.

“Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to urge vehicle owners to remain vigilant and report anyone seen acting suspiciously around vehicles to us immediately.

“We also strongly advise people to never leave valuables in their vehicles and ensure they are locked securely at all times.”

More crime prevention advice can be found at dorset.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/vehicle-safe-and-sound, he said.

Anyone with information about the incidents, or who recognises the person in the CCTV image, should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55240153416. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.