Men have been knocking on people’s doors asking for petrol after claiming they have broken down.

Police are warning residents after reports of a number of suspicious incidents.

On the morning of Saturday, May 18, a man knocked on a resident’s door in the Bockhampton area, stating he had broken down and that he was in need of petrol.

There was a delay in the door being answered and during this time the man was believed to have gone into the log store before knocking on the door again.

He had parked at the end of the drive, apologised for bothering the resident and drove off.

The car was pale gold with double round rear lights.

The man was described as being very tall, of slim build, with close cropped blond hair, blue eyes and stubble growth.

Several other neighbours had a similar encounter.

On Wednesday, May 22, a similar incident was reported in Stinsford.

A man with a similar description was claiming to have broken down and asking for fuel.

He was reported to be carrying a green petrol contained.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “Please be aware and report any suspicious circumstances to Dorset Police on 101 or on the Dorset Police website.”