In the wake of a recent rise in the robberies from vans and other work vehicles in the Dorchester area, police have advised their owners to take extra care and use preventative measures.

Dorset Police suggest fitting alarms and advises removing all tools where possible and double locking the van.

They add that parking next to a wall or building can reduce access to the vehicle and make it harder for thieves to target their valuables.

Equally, parking somewhere well-lit and covered by CCTV coverage can help.

A spokesperson for the force says: "Dorset Police have been made aware of recent break-ins. Vehicles have been targeted, tools stolen and damage has occurred to vehicles."