Police are appealing for help to identify a man described as acting erratically after a disturbing incident of criminal damage in North Dorset left a vehicle badly damaged and its occupants shaken.
Officers from Dorset Police are investigating the incident, which took place at around 12.45pm on Saturday 13 December 2025 in the quiet village of Todber.
According to reports, a man approached a car while people were still inside before launching into an alarming and seemingly unprovoked attack on the vehicle. Witnesses say the man initially stood directly in front of the car, preventing it from moving, before climbing onto the bonnet and then the roof.
He then began jumping up and down on the vehicle, causing significant structural damage. The situation escalated further when the man targeted the car’s wing mirror, breaking it, before repeatedly kicking the windscreen until it shattered.
Despite the intensity of the incident, the driver managed to safely leave the scene, and thankfully no one inside the vehicle sustained any physical injuries. However, the frightening nature of the attack has raised concerns locally, particularly given its randomness and the potential risk to public safety.
Police Community Support Investigator Brett Hirst, speaking on behalf of Dorset Police, confirmed that officers are now working to identify the individual involved and are urging members of the public to come forward with any information.
He said: “The driver was able to leave the scene and thankfully no occupants of the vehicle were injured. I am now issuing an image of a man I would like to identify and would ask anyone who recognises him to please come forward.”
While incidents of this nature remain relatively rare in rural parts of Dorset, the brazen nature of the attack, carried out in broad daylight and in the presence of witnesses, has prompted officers to act to trace the suspect.
Investigators are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the Todber area at the time and either witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage that could assist enquiries. Even seemingly minor details could prove crucial in helping police piece together the events and identify the individual responsible.
Residents in and around North Dorset are also being urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour. While there is currently no indication that the incident is linked to any wider pattern of offending, officers are treating the matter seriously given the aggressive nature of the damage caused.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police either online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55250184656. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
Police have reassured the public that all reports will be treated with the utmost seriousness as they work to bring the individual involved to justice.
