POLICE officers have vowed to take incidents of dog snatching in Basildon “seriously” after a beloved pooch was cruelly stolen.

Essex Police have sent a warning to any would-be criminals looking to steal a dog as they continue to investigate the disappearance of Molly the Yorkshire Terrier.

The brown and grey family pet was taken from a property in Hyde Way, Wickford, on March 13 before a report was sent to the force six days later.

Since then, officers have spoken in-depth with the victim, issued appeals and arrested and questioned a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of theft.

The teenager, however, has subsequently been released under investigation while further enquiries are carried out into the whereabouts of the missing Molly.

Essex Police has now issued a warning to dog snatchers while urging the public to refrain from publishing any potentially incriminating materials online.

Providing an update on the search, a spokesman for the force said: “We know when a dog is reported stolen it is very emotive and has a big impact on the owner.

“We take these incidents seriously and want to thank people for their concerns.

“But we do want to remind the public it is not lawful to name someone aged under 18 who is connected to an investigation.

“We urge people not to take matters into their own hands but if you have any information about where Molly is, please contact us.”

The dog’s heartbroken family first feared she had escaped through an open gate, but CCTV showed she was picked up by a boy who cycled away with her under his arm.

Speaking previously owner Natalie Summerfield, 33, said: “Molly is a very much-loved family pet – it is heart-breaking and we just want out Molly home.”

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Molly or the event which took place leading up to her theft is asked to submit a report online at essex.police.uk.

Alternatively, the 'Live Chat' button can be used to speak to an online Essex Police operator between 7am-11pm or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also call us 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/70244/22.