Police say they are stepping up patrols after residents have been left ‘frightened’ following a spate of car break-ins.

As previously reported, cars were reportedly damaged in a spate of ‘shocking vandalism’ in an area of Dorchester on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.

Residents reported keyed cars, damaged tyres and windshield wipers removed around Cambridge Road.

CCTV footage shared with the Echo showed at least two people attempting to gain access to cars on the road before walking off at 1am on Friday morning.

At the time of writing, no arrests have been made, but police have released a statement offering advice to residents, and have said they are stepping up patrols in the area following the reported incidents.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “We received a report that at around 1am a car in Cambridge Road was broken into, nothing was believed to have been stolen.

“A further report was received that at around 1.05am a door to a van appeared to have been forced open but again nothing is believed to have been stolen.

“Enquiries into these incidents are ongoing. No arrests have been made.”

Sergeant Anneka Stone, of the local neighbourhood policing team, said: “We are aware of a series of reports of vehicle thefts in the Dorchester area in recent weeks and we are continuing to investigate these matters.

“We are stepping up patrols in the areas known to be affected, with officers providing a visible presence and they can be approached by members of the public with information or concerns.

“Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to urge vehicle owners to remain vigilant and report anyone seen acting suspiciously around vehicles to us immediately.

“We also strongly advise people to never leave valuables in their vehicles and ensure they are locked securely at all times.”

Police say that more crime prevention advice can be found at https://www.dorset.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/vehicle-safe-and-sound/.”