Officers investigating a reported rural burglary in North Dorset are issuing a further update and appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
It was reported that between 10.50pm and 11.10pm on Saturday 28 December 2024 entry was gained to a building in the Shroton area and seven Lurcher puppies were stolen from inside.
Following extensive enquiries and two public appeals by officers, two more puppies have now been located after they were handed in to a veterinary practice in Fordingbridge in Hampshire.
Five out of the seven puppies have now been found.
Officers have arrested a 28-year-old man from East Dorset and a 22-year-old woman from Wimborne on suspicion of burglary. They have been released on bail and enquiries are ongoing.
Following further investigations, a man aged in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and he has also been released on police bail.
Police Constable Kate Schofield, of Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team, said: “We are delighted to inform the public that another two puppies have been located and the family are elated to hear this welcome news.
“However, there are still two puppies out of the litter of seven that we urgently need to find and bring home.
“Should you become aware of their location, we would urge you to get in contact. Due to the large public attention on this matter, it may be that these puppies are discarded or being offered for sale in suspicious circumstances, and we ask the public to remain vigilant and get in contact with any possible information.
“This investigation is very much live as we continue to pursue every available line of enquiry available to us – including liaising with neighbouring forces – to both find the final two missing puppies and establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240197969. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
