FERRET thieves are targeting homes in Kidderminster with a spate of snatches, including taking a ferret previously abandoned in an "appalling" condition.

Five ferrets have been stolen in three weeks, the most upsetting being the theft of a female which, only two months ago, was given a new home after being rescued from a life of neglect.

The theft was "particularly heartbreaking", said Anne Robinson, of Droitwich Ferret Rescue, who rescued and helped rehouse "Skinny Minny".

Mrs Robinson said: "She was extremely emaciated and almost completely bald. She was nursed back to health and was re-homed with a very caring family in Kidderminster.

"She's already been the subject, in the past, of ill treatment so it is terrible and everybody is really distressed."

Two ferrets were also taken on different days from a family house in Tomkinson Drive.

Shirley Wilkins said her children Kurt, 13 and Stacey, 17, were devastated by the theft of Nibbles and Chubbs.

She said: "They loved them. They were the family pets. Even the dog loved them. They would go into the house and up into the children's room and sit on their laps."

Mrs Wilkins said: "I really don't know why they have been stolen. It seems funny. We have had them for so long and, all of a sudden, they have disappeared."

She said the ferret's cage had been opened in the back of their garden and the one-year old animals taken.

Offmore Road resident, Carol Chamberlain, said her children were "crying going to school" after Dave the ferret was taken overnight on Sunday of last week.

Luckily, the pet was returned after being found later on Monday in Linden Avenue.

Mrs Chamberlain said: "I think it is ridiculous nicking kid's pets - it is disgusting. Dave loves going out in the garden in his ball and he is really friendly. They love taking him up the street on his lead."

Ferrets were popular at this time of the year, said Mrs Robinson, although it was unlikely they were being taken for their fur.

To contact Droitwich Ferret Rescue call 01905 796050.