Police issue warning after dogs go missing in Newport
Police have warned dog owners to be on their guard after two animals went missing and two homeowners reported dubious callers taking an interest in their pets last Friday.
Two dogs, a 3 year-old Border Terrier wearing a green collar and a 2 year-old brown Cocker Spaniel went missing whilst walking in a wooded area near Chetwynd sometime after 11.30am.
Within a few hours, two residents in Edgmond reported a person visiting their homes purporting to be a salesman for a double glazing company but both occupants reported that the person appeared more interested in their terrier type dogs than promoting replacement doors or windows.
PC Lee Thomas from the Newport Safer Neighbourhood team said: “We have to keep an open mind but it’s safe to say all of these incidents were reported to have happened within a two to three hour window on the same day, less than a mile or so apart.
“One of the residents made enquiries with the double glazing company directly who confirmed that they did not have any salespeople working in the area.
“Unfortunately none of these matters were reported to police until a few days after they occurred which makes it very difficult for officers to try and locate the animals or find those responsible.
“We appeal to residents to report suspicious people, vehicles or activity to the police at the earliest opportunity.
He added, “One of the Edgmond residents was able to give police a good description of the caller to their home but we would appeal to anyone else in the village or elsewhere in Newport to come forward if they also were visited or if they have any further information.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Telford police on 101 or the free and anonymous CrimeStoppers charity on 0800 555111 quoting reference 400S of June 20th.
Update
West Mercia Police today said the two dogs reported missing from Chetwynd have now been located and are safely back at home.
They are continuing to advise dog owners to be vigilant of persons taking an interest in pet or working dogs and report suspicious people and vehicles on 101.
