A puppy has been reported stolen as dog thieves strike again.

Pet thefts have soared during lockdown, and now police are once again appealing for the public's help after a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel disappeared from a garden in Headcorn.

One-year-old Phoebe was last seen at the property in Lenham Road between 5pm and 6pm, although police have waited until today to appeal for information.

The pooch has a black and tan coat, and when she went missing she was wearing a purple collar.

Between October 2019 and September 2020, 121 dogs were stolen in Kent, but not a single person was charged in connection with the thefts.

The rapid rise in pet thefts since lockdown is to be investigated by a new government taskforce.

Bringing together police, animal welfare groups and government officials, its aim will be to look at the reported increase in animal thefts and draw up fresh tactics to end the problem.

Anybody with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/86598/21

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