DOG OWNERS in St Austell are being warned that canine thieves are snatching beloved pets in the area.
A poster on the clay trails behind the Carclaze Inn at Carluddon warns of two men operating under the guise of scrap metal merchants, checking for dogs to snatch.
They also say coloured stickers are being put on fences or walls so the thieves know which properties to target.
St Austell police inspector Stuart Gibbons said that although no dog thefts have been reported in the area in the last two weeks, he was aware of another poster on a garage on the main road down to St Mawes.
"I've been told the poster says dog thieves are operating in a white van, taking dogs to bait dog fighting," he said.
Do you know who put up these posters or anything more about these dog thieves? Call the Cornish Guardian on 01726 871098.
To report a crime, or if you have seen anything suspicious, call police on non-emergencies number 101.
