Dog owners warned to stay vigilant after reports of dog thieves operating in Warwickshire

Dog owners are being warned to stay vigilant after reports of dog thieves operating in the Warwickshire.

While the only confirmed cases have so far happened in the north of the county, officers want people across the area to be cautious.

Cases have also increased across the border in Leicestershire, where police believe dogs are being stolen and then sold on to meet the increase in demand for dogs during lockdown.

The latest incident happened near Atherstone at the weekend.

A police spokesperson said: "At around 10.15pm on Sunday (February 21) a man was walking his Staffordshire Bull Terrier on the ‘Black Path’ in Hurley (near to Meadow Road), when he was approached by two unknown males.

"One of the males grabbed the dog’s lead in an attempt to pull it from the owner, and the second male then hit him in the face.

"The owner then ran off with his dog, and the two suspects left in an unknown direction.

"The owner sustained a cut to his face, the dog was not injured.

"The suspects are described as two males with ‘Midlands’ accents. One of them was of a medium build, around 5’10”, wearing a dark hooded top and a face mask."

PC Thomas Conti from Warwickshire Police said: “We’re aware this was a concerning incident within the community, and the dog’s owner was left understandably shaken by this.

“Enquiries are currently ongoing to investigate the offence.

“We’re appealing to anyone who witnessed the offence or any suspicious behaviour in the area at the time to please come forward.

“Anyone with information is asked to call 381 of 21 February 2021.”

Police also said that between 10pm on Tuesday February 9 and 6am Wednesday February 10, two nine-month-old female Golden Retrievers were stolen from a premises in the Austrey area of North Warwickshire.

If you witnessed anything during the above times or have any information please contact Warwickshire Police quoting Incident number 50 of 10/02/21.

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.