DOG-lovers have been urged to be vigilant after a eight-week-old puppy was stolen from its owner.

Two men arrived at a property in Tweed Close, Halstead, and while one of the men distracted the owner, the other left the property with an eight-week-old Coton de Tulear puppy and some paperwork.

The men left Tweed Close towards Conies Road, where Essex Police believe they may have parked.

One man was white, between 30 and 40, and of a stocky build.

He had black hair and stubble and was wearing blue jeans and a black hoody with a logo on.

The second man was white, about 30, 5ft 7ins tall and of a slender build with black hair slicked to one site. He wore dark jeans and a black jacket.

Despite the incident and a second dognapping in Westcliff in November, Essex Police say they have not seen a significant increase in dog related crime.

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Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan said: “As the owner of a much-loved dog myself, I completely understand people’s concerns around crimes involving dogs and of course the devastation the loss of a pet can cause.

“Despite social media reports, in Essex we haven’t seen a significant rise in crimes involving dogs reported to police, however I am well aware of the devastating impact crimes involving dogs have on family members.

“I want to reassure you all reports regarding pet thefts are taken seriously and when offenders are located they will be dealt with robustly.

“It might sound really obvious, but please consider crime prevention.

"Don’t leave your dog unattended anywhere, be wary of strangers and ensure they are microchipped.

“My ask to all of Essex is please report dog-related crime to us; it is absolutely key to the effectiveness of out investigations.”

Anyone who witnessed the Halstead theft which happened on March 2 at about 2pm should submit a report online at www.essex.police.uk or use the Live Chat button.

You can also call 101 and cite 42/37487/21.

Essex Police also have a Dog Watch scheme which encourages dog owners and walkers to be the extra eyes and ears within the community.