A tractor has been stolen from a farm near Bere Regis.

A Blue Ford 7910 super Q series 2 tractor was stolen between 10pm on Tuesday, January 14, and 06.30am today Wednesday January 15.

The tractor was bearing the registration C118 AEL and the Engine number is E4HN-6045-AC.

The tractor is fitted with four spool valves, brand new Kleber tyres on the rear and has worn out Firestone tyres on the front.

A spokesman for Dorset Rural Crime Team said: "Did you see or hear anything suspicious last night?

"Seen a tractor matching this description on the move anywhere or parked up anywhere?"

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police immediately at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200006912. Alternatively, contact Rural Crimestoppers on 0800 783 0137 or by visiting www.ruralcrimereportingline.uk Do you own or operate a Tractor in Dorset?

Police have these simple steps to follow to keep it safe and secure on your farm where it belongs:

• Record machinery serial numbers and photographs for reference – a picture of the stolen tractor will increase publicity prospects and recovery.

• Putting your postcode on the roof is a good way of making sure that it is easily identifiable.

• Insurance discounts are available for fitting certain devices to machines. Check with your insurer for more details.

• Machines fitted and registered with certain security markings are 4 times less likely to be stolen and our 6 times more likely to be recovered if they are stolen.

• Consider fitting a Ram lock to the steering Ram of your tractor, these can be purchased for as little as £200. If the vehicle is ever stolen then the lock is impossible to remove without causing damage and without removing it the tractor will just steer in circles.

• Autoglass & NFU have partnered to offer free security glass etching service to NFU Mtual customers. If you have a VIN number etched on glass windows, it makes the vehicle more detectable and less appealing to thieves because they have to grind out the numbers. For more details and to arrange an appointment email NFUM.Etching@autoglass.co.uk • Are keys to farm equipment kept in a safe place? Consider key safe with key or key coded entry? Bluetooth entry is also an option.

• Do you remove all GPS guidance receivers, aerials or antenna globe when not in use? Considered fitting security tethers to devices to stop them being removed. Consider marking these with UV pen or engraving your postcode.

• Consider fitting isolating systems to all farm vehicles that will prevent theft such as fuel and battery isolators and also fit immobilizers, VHF and GPS Tracker devices fitted on vehicles. These have been proven methods of returning vehicles that have been stolen.

• Report suspicious vehicle or callers to Police by calling 999 if the vehicle or occupants are seen committing crime or phone 101 or via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk if the vehicle is seen acting suspiciously.

• Become a member of Farm, Horse or Rural watch, this will enable you to have up to date messages of crimes, incidents or suspicious vehicles in your area as well as practical advice. To sign up please visit www.dorsetalert.co.uk

• As a member of Farm and Horse watch you are eligible for free signs for displaying around rural premises.

If you are a farm or horse watch member and would like a sign please contact the rural crime team by email to ruralcrimeteam@dorset.pnn.police.uk

• If you would like further advice around you security of your farm or rural premises please email the team directly at ruralcrimeteam@dorset.pnn.police.uk to arrange a visit.