A BADLY damaged vehicle found abandoned in Gillingham has been revealed as a stolen car linked to Wiltshire, police said.

Officers were called to Common Mead Lane last night after a concerned member of the public reported a suspicious vehicle left in the area.

The caller told police the car appeared abandoned and badly damaged, prompting Gillingham neighbourhood officer PC Brad to attend the scene.

But after carrying out checks, the officer quickly realised something was not right.

Police discovered the vehicle had been stolen from Wiltshire several months ago and was displaying incorrect number plates.

A concerned resident reported the vehicle to police. (Picture: North Dorset Police)

The car was seized and removed by recovery agents and is now set to be reunited with its owner.

Dorset Police said enquiries are continuing, with officers in Gillingham working alongside colleagues in Wiltshire to investigate how the stolen vehicle ended up in North Dorset.

The discovery has also highlighted the importance of community reports with police thanking the resident who raised the alarm.

A spokesperson for North Dorset Police said members of the public remain “the eyes and ears” of local officers and encouraged anyone spotting suspicious activity to continue reporting concerns.

Reports can be made by calling 101, through Dorset Police’s online reporting portal, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.