Four arrested following puppy theft

The rescued puppy  - a white male with a chocolate patch on his rear, chocolate brown marks on his back and a spot on his head  - was recovered from the Fleet area last night and although reunited with his owner, is in poor health.

Police remain concerned for the welfare of the four outstanding puppies as, without the proper care - including appropriate food - they will die.

They, along with a silver 42 inch JVC television and a silver laptop were stolen after burglars broke in to the house between 11pm on Friday and 11am on Saturday.

A witness had described seeing a woman in a fancy dress costume outside the address at around 1am on Saturday (Oct 30) at the same time a dog was heard crying.

DC Pete Hanson of Basingstoke Priority Crime Unit, said: "Although we have recovered one puppy, he is in poor health due to being fed with inappropriate food for a puppy so young.

This makes it imperative we locate the other four swiftly as without the proper care they will almost certainly die.”

Police are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have been offered a Staffordshire bull terrier or ‘staffy’ puppy for sale in the Hampshire or Surrey area.

The puppies are incredibly small and barely able to walk. The four still missing are described as a three females, one blue, one tiger brindle and one with tan legs and black patches on her body and a white male with brindle patches on the eyes and patches on his back.

Witnesses or anyone with information about the burglary or the whereabouts of the puppies should call DC Pete Hanson at Basingstoke Priority Crime Unit on 101.

Alternatively, contact the charity Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.

Callers from outside Hampshire should use 0845 045 45 45