THIEVES have spoilt Christmas for some residents after stealing a Royal Mail post bag in Weymouth.

The bag containing special delivery post was taken from an insecure hire vehicle parked in Abbotsbury Road.

It happened about 5.20pm last Wednesday, December 17.

Sergeant William Taylor, of Weymouth police, said: “I am appealing for witnesses and anyone with information about this incident to contact Dorset Police.

“I would also urge anyone who has seen discarded Post Office marked material in the local area to call me.

“All calls will be dealt with in strict confidence.”

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “Royal Mail can confirm that seven special delivery items in a mailbag were stolen from a Royal Mail silver coloured hire vehicle at approximately 5.20pm on Wednesday 17 December. The items included five items collected from Abbotsbury Road Post Office and two collected from Chickerell Post Office.

"Royal Mail and the police are continuing to investigate this matter and we would urge anyone with information to contact the police. The safety and security of mail is of the utmost importance to our business.

"Anyone concerned about special delivery items handed in at these two post offices that afternoon should contact Royal Mail Customer Services on 03457 740740.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 18:147.