Lurcher stolen in third Lingfield kennel break-in

A family from Surrey are appealing for information after their pet lurcher was stolen in the third break-in at kennels at the end of their garden.

The dog, called Roxy, was taken from the house in Station Road, Lingfield, while her owner, Phillipa Edwards, was at Edenbridge and Oxted Show on Sunday.

Mrs Edwards said she believed the thieves waited until they were out before forcing their security gate.

The same dog was stolen in September last year, but recovered on the A22.

"My husband pursued the thieves and, alarmed, they threw her out of their van window," said Mrs Edwards.

"I strongly believe it is the same people who have come back for her. She is not a valuable dog, however she is young and very fit."

She said she believed the thieves wanted the dog for illegal hare coursing.

Surrey Police said officers would like to speak to a man captured on CCTV installed by the owners.

"The dog is a much-loved member of the family so I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed something suspicious or who knows the whereabouts of the stolen dog to contact us as a matter of urgency," said a spokesman.

The three thieves are described as white and in their late teens or early 20s and slim, with brown hair.

Two were wearing jeans and the third grey tracksuit bottoms. They were also wearing T-shirts and hooded tops.

Dogs taken in an earlier theft were recovered after Mr Edwards pursued the thieves.

(Reproduced from bbc.co.uk/news   31st August)

Gardien Comment: Yet another animal theft - a CCTV system should ideally include an alarm or telephone warning of intruders. A choice of products is available at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/garden-alarms.aspx and http://www.garden-security.co.uk/garden-floodlight-PIR-camera-video.aspx