THIEVES who raided a safe in a McDonald’s restaurant are thought to be the gang behind a series of overnight crimes. Dorset Police have linked a recent burglary of the Dorchester branch of McDonald’s to a string of shop raids in the county town in March of last year.

Detectives said that a ‘considerable’ amount of money was stolen from the Monkey’s Jump roundabout restaurant’s safe in the early hours of May 25.

The gang entered McDonald’s between 1.45am and 4.50am and emptied the safe.

After leaving through a back door, it is believed that a getaway car was waiting in a nearby field for them to make their escape.

An appeal for witnesses has been launched to find anyone who was in the area at the time.

Det Con Gerald Marchant said: “I believe that the team of offenders responsible for this burglary could also be responsible for other similar incidents in this area over the last 18 months.

“In March, 2008, there were burglaries at the Woolworths store and Superdrug store on South Street and I believe that these incidents could be linked with the McDonald’s burglary.

“I would urge anyone who has any information about any of these burglaries and anyone who knows those responsible to contact me urgently.”

A McDonald’s spokesman said the company had launched an urgent review of the security measures in place at the site.

In August, 2008, a hole was battered through the restaurant wall but thieves left empty handed after they were unable to break into the safe.

Last year, stacks of computer games were stolen from Woolworths, while perfumes and toiletries were taken from Superdrug.

In both crimes, thieves entered the Dorchester shops through back doors.

Anyone with information about the McDonald’s burglary should call Dorset Police on 01305 222222.