POLICE are warning dog owners in Kent to be vigilant after a couple's precious pet was snatched from them as they walked along a beach.

The incident happened at Warden Bay on Sheppey. It was the fourth incident in a month reported to Swale police who say that thieves are targeting valuable pets.

Ted Walter, who lives in Warden Bay, was walking 16-month-old King Charles Spaniel, Teddy, along the beach on Monday morning when two men snatched the dog from the ground and sped off with him in their dark coloured car.

Mr Walter said: "One of them bent down to stroke Teddy. The next thing I knew, he had grabbed his lead and threw him at the other man who then put him in the car and drove off. I tried chasing him but I fell over in the mud."

Mr Walter and his wife Sandra had only had Teddy since October. He was a rescue dog. According to police, "dognapping" is a big problem in Kent. Pets are taken from gardens, outside shops, parks and cars. Nowhere is safe from thieves who are out to cash in on a financially, or emotionally, valuable animal.

The problem has become so bad that websites and campaigns have been launched to track down missing pets.

Sgt Peter Lower said: "People are cottoning on to which dogs are valuable so we would stress people to be extra vigilant, keep the dog on a lead while out and make sure you know where they are when at home. Also getting the dog micro-chipped will help us to track them down."

The men are described as white, of a stocky build and in the 20s. They were both wearing baseball caps. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers 0800 555111 or Swale police on 01795 477055.