A man was arrested on suspicion of ‘going equipped to steal.’

Neighbourhood Police Officers from Dorchester located a suspicious looking vehicle last night whilst out on patrols in the Crossways area following recent fuel thefts from vehicles at business addresses.

Officers searched the vehicle and the man who owned it.

During the search, various items were found that could be used to siphon fuel.

The man was arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

Going equipped to steal could mean that an accused person ‘had a tool or other article in their possession that was intended for use in the course of a burglary or theft.’

Fuel siphoning involves sucking fuel through a tube or hose from an object such as a car into a new container.

A spokesperson for Dorchester Police said: “Last night, Neighbourhood Officers carried out targeted patrols in the Crossways area following recent fuel thefts from vehicles at business addresses.

“Whilst on patrol, a suspicious vehicle was sighted parked up. The sole male occupant and vehicle were searched.

“During the search, various items that can be used to syphon fuel were located and the male was arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal. He remains in police custody and enquires continue.”