POLICE in Swanage are appealing for information after a thief stole a rare and valuable puppy from a dog breeding kennel at Studland.

A man aged 35 to 40 deceived the owner of Greenlands Cottage Kennels into parting with a rare black and white Papillion puppy.

The incident happened shortly before 3pm last Tuesday, October 19, but details have only just been released.

Kennel proprietor Valerie Taylor said: "I'm worried they won't know how to care for it - these puppies need very careful treatment."

Police have released a photo of an identical looking male pup from the same litter and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 01202 222222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

The thief had a young girl aged about 11 with him and said she was his niece. He called himself Johnson and gave a false local address.

He is 5ft 10ins tall, of medium build with short dark hair and he spoke with a gruff voice. He was slightly unshaven and wearing a jacket and trousers, a flat cap and blue and white trainers.

PC Brian Coward, of Swanage police, said: "I'd like to hear from anyone who has seen such a black and white puppy, or from anyone who has been offered one for sale in suspicious circumstances. I'd also like to hear from anyone else who recognises the man from the description.

"It's possible that someone may have been near the kennels at the time and may have seen the thief with a little girl, possibly even a motor vehicle of some kind. If you did, or if you have any other information about the theft, please ring the police in confidence.

"There's no doubt in my mind that someone - perhaps several people - know this man and the whereabouts of the puppy and I'm appealing to them to please contact the police."

First published: October 28