Thieves broke into a summer house and stole six handmade clocks and twelve wooden pots.

The incident happened sometime between 4pm on Thursday, March 28 and 9.30am on Friday, March 29 in the rear garden of a house on Somerby Road in Oakdale, Poole.

Police Constable Stephen Hawke of Poole police said: “This theft has left the victim, an 82-year-old man, very shaken and extremely upset.

“These hand crafted clocks and pots are of great sentimental value and he is very keen to have them returned.

“I am keen to trace these stolen items and would urge anyone who may have witnessed this offence take place, or may have information about those responsible, to contact Dorset Police.

“All of the items taken have distinctive engravings on which will make them easily identifiable to the victim.

“All calls will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 29:116. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.