More details have emerged about a series of vehicle thefts which are all believed to be linked.

Police say the offences are primarily targeting 'sports utility vehicles' or 'four-wheel drive' vehicles.

More than 20 vehicles have been stolen since June with the most recent spate seeing vehicles stolen in Drimpton, Sturminster Marshall and Poole on the night of Sunday, September 18 and into the early hours of Monday, September 19.

Further thefts include one reported in Bridport on June 1, one in Shapwick near Blandford on August 2, one Shillingstone near Blandford on August 18 and one in Sturminster Marshall on September 9.

A majority of the vehicles stolen were from the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.

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."

* Last month insurer NFU Mutual revealed how thefts of Land Rover Defender vehicles from rural homes, farms and other businesses had increased by 34 per cent in 2021, with the crimes on course to increase again in 2022.

Rebecca Davidson, Rural Affairs Specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “We’ve been insuring Land Rovers since they first appeared on British farms, and their iconic status makes these vehicles a regular target for both opportunistic thieves and organised criminal gangs.

“From trusted farm vehicles to coveted collectors’ pieces, Defenders have universal appeal. With older models retaining their vintage value and newer used cars soaring in price, thieves are scouring the countryside for Land Rovers, as well as dismantling them for parts."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220134740. Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.