Farmers throughout East Dorset are being asked to be on the alert for a van being used to case out farms in the area.

The grey Renault van has been seen in suspicious circumstances on farms across East Dorset over the weekend (January 23-24) and it is believed that the occupants were looking around farms.

The van has the registration number L*08 LSC.

Dorset Police Rural Crime Team are asking farmers not to use social media to report crimes or incidents as this could potentially identify you publicly to the owners of the vehicle.

A police spokesperson said: "If this vehicle or other vehicles are seen acting suspiciously, please gather as much information as possible such as the registration number and descriptions of the driver and any passengers and if it’s safe to do so please do take a photograph - but don’t put yourself in danger to do this.

"Please contact Dorset Police immediately by calling 999 if the vehicle or occupants are seen committing crime.

"For non-emergency call 101, at dorset.police.uk or via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk.

"If you wish to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers rural crime reporting line by calling 0800 783 0137 or visiting ruralcrimereportingline.uk."