WEST DORSET: Police have warned motorists to secure their cars after a number of vehicles were stolen and destroyed in West Dorset.

Officers believe the thefts in the Beaminster and Mosterton areas were carried out by the same offenders and that they are closing in on those responsible.

Firefighters were called to another vehicle fire in St Swithins Road, Bridport, just after 11.15pm on Tuesday evening.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service received 18 calls about the blaze. When crews arrived the car was fully alight and they exting-uished the fire using two hose reel jets.

A spokesperson from the service said the car is believed to have been ‘deliberately ignited’ and it was almost completely destroyed by the blaze.

Meanwhile, sometime between Christmas Day and Saturday, December 27, a property along Watery Lane in Mosterton was burgled.

The offenders took various items including electrical kit, jewellery and a white Vauxhall Combo van – which was later discovered burnt out in Yeovil.

PC Neil Gauden of Bridport police said: “I’m appealing for any witnesses and anyone with information about those responsible to come forward and contact police.

“I would like to hear from anyone who noticed anything suspicious in the area during this time.

“Also, I urge anyone who knows of the whereabouts of the stolen objects or has been offered the items for unusually low prices to call Dorset Police.”

Four vehicles were taken in the space of four days – with two of the cars torched by the offenders.

Another stolen car is yet to be recovered, while one stolen vehicle was involved in filling up petrol without paying.

“We believe there were a number of vehicles that have been broken into over the Christmas period,” said Bridport Police Inspector Mike Darby.

“We think that these incidents are linked and we believe we are close to identifying possible offenders from the Crewkerne area.”

On December 27, a silver Land Rover Discovery was stolen from Eggardon Close, Beaminster – and was later found when it was crashed into the front wall of a property in Crewkerne and set alight. Three people were seen to flee the scene.

On the same day, a Land Rover was stolen from Uplyme and discovered in West Coker after reports of suspicious door knocking. It was also involved in a petrol bilking incident in Merriott.

Motorists are urged to protect their vehicles, leaving no valuables inside when parked.

“My advice is for motorists to maintain their crime prevention methods and ensure that items are locked away and secure,” added Inspector Darby. “If anyone needs any advice on keeping valuables safe, they should contact their local Safer Neighbourhood Team who will be more than happy to help.

“We have spates where these types of crimes that do flare up now and then. This isn’t anything new and we’re confident the offenders will inevitably be found.”