RAIDERS have made off with 240 Christmas trees in the back of a lorry in a raid on a Dorset garden centre.

Thieves forced their way into Stewarts Garden Lands in Christchurch before driving the lorry into the rear compound and using the hydraulic hoist on the vehicle to load up the trees.

The incident – which happened between 6.50pm and 7.05pm on Wednesday – has left the garden centre struggling, as there is already a nationwide shortage of Christmas trees this year as it is.

Susie Stewart from Stewarts Garden Lands said: “We are bitterly disappointed and disgusted by what has happened. We all work really hard through the year on our Christmas stock and we put a lot of effort in. It’s disappointing – mainly for the staff who work so hard.”

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward.

PC Carl Peters said: “I need information from the public to track down the thieves.

“At this time of day, with lots of people passing the front gates, someone must have seen the lorry going into the garden centre and leaving again.

“I’d like to hear from anyone who saw what happened and from anyone who notices a large number of Christmas trees being for sale locally, possibly at reduced prices.”

“If anyone has any information about the identity of the lorry used by the thieves, or about the identity of those responsible for stealing the trees, I’d urge them to call.”

The police are advising anyone with information to call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 or 01305 22 22 22, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.