THIEVES smashed a window and stole a lingerie-clad mannequin from a shop in Weymouth.

Police were called to Erotica Belle on Ranelagh Road in the early hours following reports of a break-in.

Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to help them with their enquiries.

Shop owner Jonathan Spencer said: “It was a totally unnecessary and very expensive break in.

“It has really annoyed me and I don’t understand why anyone would take these items.

“The burglars threw a sack truck through the window to gain entry.”

He added: “The life-size mannequin is easily recognisable as she is in a seated position and we had to saw off her left foot to fit her in the window.

“This is the first incident like this and it is really quite strange.”

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “We had a call at two minutes to one on Tuesday morning from a member of the public who had heard glass being smashed. The window of Erotica Belle had been damaged.

“Officers attended the scene and confirmed that a mannequin had been stolen from the store. We would like anyone with information or who saw anything to contact us.”

Anyone witnesses or anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101.