OFFICERS are warning dog owners in Cheshire to be vigilant following a number of suspicious incidents.

Cheshire Police says there have been a number of incidents in some rural parts of the county over recent months – including Brereton, Scholar Green and Leighton.

These incidents have caused owners to be concerned that someone is attempting to steal their dogs, the force says.

The warning comes just days after 14 puppies were reported as stolen from a building in Northwich at just four weeks old.

Insp Kelly Johnston said: “We’re also seeing some incidents on social media that haven’t been reported to police and would really urge anyone who sees suspicious activity to ring us.

“We need these incidents reporting to us so we can investigate them.

“We would also urge you to be vigilant and keep an eye out for fellow dog walkers – if you see it, report it.

“We understand your concerns and would like to reassure you that we are taking this seriously and we are investigating the suspicious incidents reported to us.”

In a separate incident, 14 cockerpoo and cocker spaniel puppies were reported as stolen from a Northwich property last week.

 

The offender is believed to have broken into an outbuilding between 10pm last Tuesday and 7.20am last Wednesday.

Investigations are continuing and no arrests have been made.

Anyone with information about suspicious activity should call police on 101 or visit cheshire.police.uk

To report information in connection with the Northwich incident, quote incident number IML 849170.