ROGUE traders are alleged to have stolen money after carrying out gardening work at a Marnhull home.

Police are investigating after burglaries at a residential property near the town last month.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said that in mid-February, three men attended an address in the Marnhull area, near Sturminster Newton, and told the elderly occupants that urgent gardening work needed to be carried out.

After the work was completed, one of the men was invited into the address where he was paid for the work, but it is reported he took further cash from inside a wallet.

Then, on Tuesday, March 11, one of the men returned to the address stating that more trees needed to be cut down. On this occasion, no work was done or money exchanged.

Finally, on Friday, March 14, cash was taken from inside a wallet at the address while the elderly occupants were inside.

The male suspects are described as white and of large build, wearing work clothing and hats. One of them is described as young and around 5ft tall. They are reported to be driving a white Ford Transit tipper.

PC Ed Lewis, of Sturminster Newton police, said: “We are carrying out enquiries into this burglary and I would urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area to please make contact with us.

“I would also urge local residents with home CCTV systems or doorbell cameras, as well as any motorists who were in the vicinity and have dashcam fitted, to please check their footage for anything of relevance to our investigation.

“Finally, I would be keen to hear from anyone who has come across three men matching those described above offering gardening services in suspicious circumstances.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55240173270, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.