Dorchester Burglaries - Appeal for witnesses and information

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward after two burglaries at public houses in the Dorchester area.

The first incident occurred sometime overnight between Thursday, 20 October 2011 and Friday, 21 October 2011 at the Black Dog public house on Main Street in Broadmayne.

A quantity of cash, from both the bar area and the staff storage area, was stolen during the burglary. This included up to £350 taken from a Christmas club fund in the bar, which local residents had contributed to.

The second incident happened at the Coach and Horses public house in Winterborne Abbas, in the early hours of Wednesday, 26 October 2011.

 Again, a quantity of cash was stolen during this burglary.

 Inspector Les Fry, of Dorchester Police, said: "I'd urge anyone with any information about either of these incidents to contact me.

 "The theft of the Christmas club fund at the Black Dog pub is a real blow to the local residents who had been saving up for their Christmas festivities.

 "It appears at this stage that the incidents are linked, but we are keeping an open mind and I need to hear from anyone with information about either incident.  I'd also urge home and business owners to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police."

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 21:095. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.