TWO men have allegedly been trying to steal working dogs from a farm near Dorchester and police are appealing for witnesses.

Two men were reported as 'acting suspiciously' near a kennel on a farm in Hilfield, near Dorchester, at around 10.50pm on Saturday, October 24.

When the men were disturbed, they got into a waiting Land Rover Discovery and drove off towards Sherborne.

Police Constable Sebastian Haggett, of Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team, said: "We believe the men were attempting to steal working dogs that are kept in the kennels.

"I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed any activity in the area on the night of the incident to please get in touch.

"I would also like to remind the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Dorset Police."

If you have kennels and wish to have police conduct a crime prevention survey at your address, please email ruralcrimeteam@dorset.pnn.police.uk with your details. Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk,, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200160678. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.