TWO commercial premises in Dorchester have been targeted in overnight raids.

Burglars entered the Bull’s Head Inn in High Street Fordington on Sunday night and made off with items while jackets were also stolen from Millets in South Street.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the two raids and anyone who comes across merchandise that could have been stolen from the outdoor store.

Inspector Steve Marsh said offenders forced entry at the Bull’s Head at some point on Sunday night and officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area.

Landlord Chris Dunham discovered the break-in first thing this morning.

He said: “I shut up at midnight and came downstairs at 8am yesterday morning, so it was any time in between.

“It could have been a lot worse but they caused quite a bit of damage to certain items.”

Mr Dunham said he supported the police’s appeal for witnesses and urged anyone who might have seen or heard anything that might help their investigation to get in touch.

Inspector Marsh said the second incident involved someone climbing over a roof to gain access through the rear of the Millets store.

Once inside he said they stole a number of Berghaus jackets with a combined value of several thousand pounds.

Insp Marsh said he was keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the break-in, but also anyone who comes across somebody offering jackets for sale at a discounted price if they are unsure where they came from.

He said: “We would like to hear from anybody who is offered Berghaus walking or outdoor jackets at a cheap price.”

Insp Marsh added that, other than the incidents occurring on the same night, there was nothing at the moment to link the two break-ins.

He said: “There is nothing to suggest at this time that they are linked. At the moment they are being treated separately unless we establish something.”

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Dorchester Police on 101.