DORCHESTER: Yellow sheep tags were stolen from a farm in the Dorchester area between 7pm on Wednesday, May 16 and 7.30am Thursday, May 17, police say. 

PCSO Sarah Pilcher, of Dorchester West Rural, said: "There have been two incidents of sheep thefts over the past few weeks and so may have some link to this report.

"If you come across anyone offering you them, or know of their whereabouts, then please call 101 quoting number 55180075110."

COUNTY: Police are urging residents to be alert over doorstep callers pretending to be deaf, dumb, or ex-convicts trying to mend their lives.
Neighbourhood police in Sherborne have received reports of 'Nottingham Knockers' working in the Yetminster area. The fraudsters typically offer small household products for sale at inflated prices. 

PCSO Mark Jones of Sherborne Rural said: "Please be aware this is a scam and the knockers try their best to get you to part with some money to ‘help’ them. Please do not engage in conversation with these callers. 

“Tell them you are not interested and do not invite them into your home."

Anyone visited by bogus callers is asked to contact Dorset Police with a full description and any vehicle number plates.

COUNTY: An insurance company has warned of a rise in tractor cloning fraud. 

Rural insurer NFU Mutual says there has been an increase in reports of tractor cloning by criminals giving stolen machines new identities. 

Fraudsters are reportedly taking vehicle ID numbers from legally registered vehicles and disguising the stolen tractors with them.