THIEVES believed to be after lead have stolen the batteries from plant machinery near Wareham.

The batteries were taken from a dumper truck and two excavators at Worgret Hill on Monday night, with police believing they were taken for their lead content due to the high price of scrap metal.

Inspector Les Fry of Dorchester Police said he believed the thieves were after lead.

Dorset Police recently launched Operation Countryside, aimed at combating rural crime, and Insp Fry urged anyone who witnessed the theft or saw anything suspicious to contact Dorchester Police Station on 01305 222222.